Pope Francis taken to hospital with respiratory infection

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.