By: Ethan & Connie Cao

The current leader of the Catholic church was hospitalized last week. Pope Francis is being treated for a respiratory infection. The 266th pope of The Catholic Church is known for his kindness and unique ability to help frame the terms of a negotiation, and most importantly, keep the focus of the negotiation on the issues at hand.

The 86-year-old suffered from breathing difficulties in recent days but does not have Covid. In a recent statement, the Catholic church remarked that “Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” It added that tests had ruled out heart problems and pneumonia. The 86-year-old pontiff entered the hospital on Wednesday.

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide as of 2019. Pope Francis is the leader above all right now. He is feeling better in the hospital bed right now. “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.

The Pope also is said to have many other problems. He has often been seen with a walking stick and sometimes uses a wheelchair due to pain in his right knee. Last year, he canceled a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan after doctors said he might also have to missalastr trip to Canada unless he agreed to have 20 more days of therapy and rest for his knee. He ultimately went to the DRC and South Sudan in February. However, Pope Francis is treated for the infection and is safe now.