Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs and will not participate in activities throughout the weekend due to his health problems, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.
Friday, Francis, who was admitted to the Rome hospital, had initially received a diagnosis of polymicrobial infection, which means that he has a mixture of microbes, such as a virus or bacteria, in his lungs or another part of its respiratory tract.
In an update on his status on Tuesday evening, the Vatican said that the 88 -year -old pope’s clinical condition “had continued to present a complex image” and that his processing would be modified.
The infection “appeared on an image of bronchitasis and asthmatic bronchitis”, which required the use of cortisone antibiotics, said the Vatican. A computed tomography performed on Tuesday showed the “start of bilateral pneumonia” which required additional drug treatment, added the Vatican.
“Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in a good mood”, and was grateful for prayers for his recovery, said the Vatican.
Earlier in the day, Matteo Bruni, spokesperson for the Vatican, told journalists during a briefing at the Vatican that the Pope had rested, had had breakfast and had read newspapers “as he usually does ».
The Vatican said earlier that the Pope would not attend events throughout the weekend. Francis delegated a prelate of the Vatican to participate in a mass for him on Sunday. Last week, Francis could not attend another planned event, for the artists, at the Vatican.
This is the fourth time that Francis has stayed in the hospital, the Policlinico A. Gemelli.
In 2021, he underwent a colon operation there. In 2023, he was admitted for a respiratory infection but returned home after three days. He was hospitalized again a few months later to undergo abdominal surgery for a hernia. Last February, he suffered diagnostic tests at Gemelli hospital after a slight flu.
As a young man, he had the upper lobe removed from his right lung, and he is subject to the episodes of flu and bronchitis during the cold winter months. His medical challenges have increased in recent years. Due to knee and sciatica problems, he often uses a wheelchair, a walker or a cane.
Francis’ commitments have increased since the start of 2025 Jubilee – A year of faith, penance and forgiveness of the sins which takes place each quarter of a century – which opened the day before Christmas. Millions should make a pilgrimage to the Vatican this year, and jubilee events for different groups are planned over the next 10 months.
