Pope Francis taken to hospital with respiratory infection

Vatican says 86-year-old pontiff, expected to remain under observation for a few days, is not suffering from Covid-19

Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will need to spend “a few days” in hospital for treatment, the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement said the 86-year-old pontiff had complained of breathing difficulties in recent days. It added that tests showed he did not have Covid-19. “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the Vatican said.