Pope Francis, the Catholic Church leader, who constantly offers prayers for the well-being of others, is on the receiving end of a prayer request from Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski.

The Vatican has announced that the pontiff has been hospitalized and being treated for a respiratory infection, prompting Catholic leaders around the world to ask for prayers on his behalf.

“In coming days Catholics throughout the world will offer prayers for Pope Francis both because of his office as the successor of St. Peter and because of his illness,” said Wenski in a release from the Miami Archdiocese. “May God grant him serenity despite whatever discomfit he may experience and strengthen his resolve to do God’s will in all things and above all things.” 

The Vatican press office reported that Pope Francis was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Wednesday due to breathing difficulties. He has been diagnosed with a respiratory infection and is expected to undergo treatment at the hospital for a number of days, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said in a statement. 

Pope Francis, who is 86, has not contracted COVID-19, Matteo Bruni, a Vatican spokesman, said. However, the pope is set to undergo several days of therapy at Gemelli due to breathing difficulties he has been experiencing in recent days. Bruni said the pope went to the hospital for medical tests, CBS News reported. 

The Vatican canceled scheduled audiences Thursday and Friday to make room for potential medical tests. Although the Vatican did not initially confirm how the pope was transported to the hospital, several Italian media outlets, and a Rome correspondent for an Argentine newspaper, reported he was taken there by ambulance, the USCCB said in its release.

The Vatican's Holy Week observances start with Palm Sunday this weekend and include Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday April 9. All were due to be led by Pope Francis. 

Due to his admission to the hospital, however, it remains unclear whether the pontiff will be able to preside over the Holy Week events as planned, CBS News said in its report.