WASHINGTON - On Wednesday afternoon March 29, Pope Francis was taken to Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Reports followed that Pope Francis has a respiratory infection and will remain in the hospital for several days. Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement regarding the Holy Father:

“As Pope Francis recovers in the hospital from a respiratory infection, we pray intensely for our Holy Father. On behalf of my brother bishops, I invite all the faithful to pause, if possible before the Blessed Sacrament, and pray for his speedy recovery. May our dear shepherd and all those in need of healing experience the comfort of Christ.”

Pope Francis rested well during the night, said the director of the Holy See Press Office in a statement updating journalists on the Holy Father’s health. The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after he had presided at the weekly General Audience.

The statement by Matteo Bruni revealed that his “clinical picture is progressively improving and he is continuing with his planned treatment.”

The statement also said that this morning, after breakfast, the Pope read some newspapers and resumed work. Before lunch, he gathered in prayer in a private chapel in the hospital and received the Eucharist.

Greeting and wishes for his speedy recovery are pouring into the Vatican.

Vatican News material was used in this story.