The Vatican has released additional details concerning Pope Francis’ health.

According to a Vatican statement, Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital with a respiratory ailment. The hospitalization came only hours after the pontiff attended his weekly public service in St. Peter’s Square, which takes place every Wednesday morning.

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will remain hospitalized and under doctor’s care for “a few days of necessary hospital medical therapy.”

According to the BBC, “Pope Francis is touched by the many letters received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer.”

Francis is surrounded by his closest associates as well as his security detail.

It is unclear how this hospitalization would influence the numerous events and masses he has planned for the Easter season, which begins on Sunday, April 2.

According to the BBC, the Pope was in “excellent spirits” while leading the public service this morning. Onlookers, however, observed a “grimace” when he was helped into his vehicle after the service.

This is not the Pope’s first health crisis in recent months. Due to a knee issue, Pope Francis has been using a wheelchair to improve his movement.

He also had colon surgery in 2021, according to CNN.

Francis has already stated that he may follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, who was the first Pope in centuries to resign as the leader of the Catholic Church due to declining health.