Few details were available about the condition of Pope Francis, 86, and it was too early to determine whether he would be able to attend several Easter-related ceremonies.

Pope Francis was hospitalized with a respiratory infection the night before, raising concerns about the 86-year-old pontiff's health.

The Vatican clarified that it was not COVID-19 but it would ‘require several days of appropriate medical treatment at the hospital.’

Pope Francis will spend a number of days in hospital due to a pulmonary infection, the Vatican has said. It had previously been announced that the pontiff, 86, was undergoing scheduled tests at Gemelli hospital in Rome this afternoon.

Pope Francis was admitted to a hospital in Rome and canceled two days of events to undergo planned testing and a checkup, the Vatican said on Wednesday.

Pope Francis speaks during a general audience at St Peter's Square, Vatican City, March, 29, 2023. Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS