The Vatican reported that Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for a respiratory infection on Wed., March 29.
“In recent days, Pope Francis has complained of some difficulty breathing and this afternoon went to [Gemelli Hospital] to carry out some medical tests,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said.
“The results of these tests showed a respiratory infection (a COVID-19 infection was excluded) that will require some days of opportune medical treatment in the hospital.”
Bruni also issued a statement earlier in the day saying the 86-year-old Pontiff went to Gemelli Hospital today “for some previously scheduled checkups.”
Social media users across the world reacted to the pope’s hospitalization news. Many expressed their heartfelt concern for the Holy Father.
Here’s what some social media users said:
This Twitter user said, “Prayers for Pope Francis. May the Virgin Mary wrap him in her mantle and comfort him. 
”
Another Twitter user commented, “May Our Lord guide and keep you during your trials.”
Twitter user Annie wrote, “So sorry to hear this. I’ll keep Pope Francis in my daily prayers for a quick recovery!”
Twitter user Maria G. Christopher added, “How much pain Holy Father endures on a daily basis; From within the Church and outside situations. Lord have mercy on us; we have sinned against you. Teach us O Lord to be humble and walk with you.”
Facebook user Moses Laston said, “Quick recovery Pope Francis! Saint Raphael the Archangel shall heal you in Christ.”
Facebook user Juanita Espolon Purrone also said, “My prayers and love for your recovery, Beloved Pope Francis. May Mother Mary be by your side. Amen.”
Twitter user Gregory D. Howe wrote the Latin phrase, “Anima una et cor unum in Deum,” which means, “One soul and one heart in God.”
Prayer for Pope Francis’ Recovery
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pope Francis wrote a prayer to Our Lady, Help of the Sick. Let us recite this prayer for him during his time of need:
Prayer for Pope Francis to Our Lady, Help of the Sick (modified)
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust Pope Francis to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the cross, you participated in Jesus’ pain
with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman people,
know what we need.
We trust that you will provide, so that
as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return
after this moment of trial [for Pope Francis].
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform ourselves to the Father’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our suffering upon Himself,
and burdened Himself with our sorrows
to bring us, through the Cross,
to the joy of Resurrection.
Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas — we who are put to the test —
and deliver us from every danger. O glorious and Blessed Virgin.
Here’s the video of his prayer below:
Click here if you cannot see the video above.
Our Lady, Help of the Sick, please pray for Pope Francis!