UPDATE: Pope Francis 'thankful for closeness and prayers'

Colombo (News 1st) - Pope Francis remains in Agostino Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where he was admitted late Wednesday and is being treated for a respiratory illness.
“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages he received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said.
Agostino Gemelli University Hospital is Italy’s second-largest hospital with 1,575 beds, and is one of the largest private hospitals in Europe. This is the same hospital where he underwent surgery in July 2021 for inflammation of the intestinal wall, also known as diverticulitis of the colon. It is known as ‘Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli’ in Italian.