Pope Francis went to Rome's Gemelli Hospital Wednesday afternoon for "some tests which had been scheduled previously", Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. Vatican sources said Francis may spend a few days in hospital, after his security detail was stationed there at least for the night. His audiences scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been cancelled.
But in the event Francis completed all his scheduled tests on Wednesday, sources said.
They said he had no heart problems and that respiratory exams had been carried out.
His health condition does not arouse any concern, they said.
The pope, 86, has knee problems which have forced him to often use a wheelchair. He has said he might resign like his predecessor Benedict XVI if bad health makes it impossible for him to continue doing his job. Francis in December revealed that he has signed a letter of resignation to be used if he is unable to perform his duties for health reasons.