Vatican City, Jan 31, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Pope John Paul II has been hospitalized in Rome, CNA has learned. The ailing pontiff was taken to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital at 10:50 p.m. Rome time and is undergoing medical exams at the Hospital’s 10th floor.
Speaking to Vatican Radio, Papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the decision was a precautionary one and that there is no cause for alarm.
On Sunday the Vatican announced the Pope had joined the thousands of Italians who have come down with flu in recent weeks due to a cold spell that has gripped the region.
The Pope’s bout with the flu led to cancellations of his activities for most of this week, including the Wednesday General Audience.
According to Vatican sources, the Pope is suffering from an acute infection of the respiratory tract.
The hospital where the Pope was admitted is the same one where he recovered from the attempt on his life in 1981.