POPE Francis was admitted to hospital in Rome today – just months after suffering from a lung infection.
The 86-year-old was taken to Gemelli hospital in the Italian capital for a check-up.
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According to ANSA news agency, the pope arrived at the hospital’s geriatric unit at 10.40am local time.
There was no immediate word from the Vatican.
Francis spent five days in hospital in March with a lung infection after complaining of breathing difficulties.
It came just days before Easter – traditionally one of the busiest times for the pope.
He had greeted the faithful in the popemobile at his weekly audience hours before his hospital admission.
Last month, Francis skipped his audiences due to a fever.
Francis, who marked 10 years as head of the Catholic Church this year, has suffered a number of illnesses in recent years.
In July 2021 he had part of his colon removed in an operation to help a painful bowel condition called diverticulitis.
The pontiff also suffers from chronic knee pain and uses a wheelchair.
He had to cancel activities several times last year due to the pain in his knee and acknowledged he needed to slow down.
Earlier this year, Francis bid farewell to his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, who died aged 95.
He was seen arriving in a wheelchair and stood using a stick as he paid tribute to the “wisdom, tenderness and devotion that he bestowed upon us over the years”.
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