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According to the Vatican, Pope Francis will require "a few days" of hospitalization in Rome due to a respiratory illness.
The statement said that although the pope does not have Covid, he has recently experienced respiratory problems.
"A few days of appropriate hospital medical therapy" are required for him.
The statement continued, "Pope Francis is moved by the numerous messages received and expresses his appreciation for the closeness and prayer.
A person with direct knowledge earlier told the BBC that his closest staff, including security, were due to spend the night at the Gemelli Hospital.
With numerous activities and services planned in advance of Easter weekend, Pope Francis, 86, is currently experiencing his busiest season of the year.
There will be a Palm Sunday Mass this weekend and festivities of Holy Week and Easter the following week.
Additionally, he has a trip to Hungary planned for the end of April.
He oversaw his weekly general assembly in St. Peter's Square on Wednesday morning.
Despite appearing to be in high spirits, he could be seen frowning as he was assisted in getting into his car.
The pope has recently experienced knee mobility issues that have necessitated the use of a wheelchair.
In 2021, he also had surgery at the same facility in Rome to address a colon issue. He claimed that the condition had resurfaced in January.
The Pope has traveled this year despite his ailments and has continued to be busy. He traveled to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February.
The Pope presided over Pope Benedict XVI's funeral in January. Benedict XVI was the first pope in centuries to resign willingly. He claimed that this was brought on by illness.
In the past, Pope Francis has hinted that, should his health deteriorate, he too might want to follow in Benedict's path.
