Pope Francis is suffering from a respiratory infection and will stay in the hospital for treatment for several days, the Vatican says.

The head of the Catholic Church had been taken to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the 86-year-old pontiff had complained of breathing problems in recent days.

At the hospital, tests revealed the infection.

Tests also indicated the Pope did not have COVID-19, Mr Bruni said.

“Pope Francis is touched by the many messages received and expresses his gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the statement added.

The hospitalisation comes ahead of the pontiff’s busiest week of the year – with many events and services ahead of the Christian Easter weekend.

He is meant to host a Palm Sunday Mass this weekend, followed by Holy Week and Easter celebrations next week.

Pope Francis is also scheduled to visit Hungary at the end of April.

On Wednesday morning, the pontiff held his weekly general audience in front of thousands of believers in St Peter’s Square. He appeared in good spirits but was seen grimacing as he was helped into his vehicle.

In July 2021, the Pope previously had intestinal surgery at the same hospital and spent 11 days there recovering.

In a recent interview, he indicated that he was again having trouble with his intestines.

The Pope has also suffered from severe knee problems for more than a year, which often require him to use a wheelchair.

Francis has so far declined to undergo surgery on his knee — reportedly in part because he did not react well to anaesthesia during the previous operation.

In January, the Pope led the funeral of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, the first pope to step down voluntarily for centuries.

-with AAP