Pope Francis speaks with his aides prior to being helped get up the popemobile car from his wheelchair, as he leaves on March 29, 2023 at the end of the weekly general audience at St. Peter's square in The Vatican. Pope Francis has been at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since the afternoon of March 29, 2023 for some previously scheduled check-ups, the Holy See press director said.
"The Holy Father was found to have an infectious bronchitis which required the administration of antibiotics", medical staff caring for him said in a statement published by the Vatican. The Vatican initially said he had been admitted for pre-planned checks, before revealing late Wednesday he had been diagnosed with a respiratory infection.
His admission to hospital sparked widespread concern, particularly after unconfirmed reports that he arrived in an ambulance. At his weekly audience on Wednesday morning, just hours before his admission to hospital, the pope appeared in good spirits, smiling as he greeted the faithful from his "popemobile".
Biden, only the second Catholic president in US history, urged attendees at a White House reception to "say an extra prayer" for the pontiff."There is always the fear, and yet it seems that everything is calm for now," said Tina Montalbano, a 60-year-old tourist guide.