The Vatican says he is well-equipped to manage his illness, but he has not been too ill: Pope Francis reportedly went to Policlinico A. Gemelli

“In recent days Pope Francis complained of some respiratory difficulties and this afternoon he went to Policlinico A. Gemelli for some medical checks,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement, referring to the Rome hospital where popes are normally treated. There was a respiratory infections that will require a few days of hospital medical therapy.

After his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Francis was taken to the hospital to undergo a number of tests. The Vatican had said that the visit and tests were planned.

The Church of Rome also expressed “all its closeness and affection to its Bishop Pope Francis, and ensures its unceasing prayers, wishing him a speedy recovery,” it said in a statement on Thursday.

“In wishing the Holy Father a speedy recovery, the Presidency entrusts to the Lord the doctors and medical staff who, with professionalism and dedication, care for him and all patients,” it added.

He has often been seen with a walking stick and sometimes uses a wheelchair due to pain in his right knee. He canceled a trip to South Sudan and Democratic Republic ofCongo because he could not get enough days of therapy and rest for his knee. He ultimately went to the DRC and South Sudan in February.

diverticulitis is a condition that can cause inflammation or an obstruction of the colon. He had surgery to help remove part of his colon.

In 2013, Francis’ immediate predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, made the almost unprecedented decision to resign from his position, citing “advanced age” as the reason and startling the Catholic world.

It marked the first time a pope had stepped down in nearly 600 years. The last pope who stepped down before his death was Gregory XII who quit in 1415 in the face of more than one man claiming to be pope.

The pope’s first tweet acknowledging the death of his 86-year-old companion, Francis, is touched by the many messages received

The pope acknowledged the many good wishes the 86-year-old has received while he is being treated in a Rome hospital.

In his first tweet acknowledging his illness, Francis said: “I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”