POPE Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, and his condition remains “complex,” the Vatican announced.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling a respiratory infection for over a week and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday.
“A follow-up chest CT scan this afternoon confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional drug therapy,” the Vatican stated.
Despite his condition, the Vatican noted that Pope Francis remains in “good spirits,” spending the day “reading, resting, and praying.” He also expressed gratitude to well-wishers and requested continued prayers.
The Pope had shown symptoms of bronchitis before his hospitalization and had delegated others to deliver his speeches at events. He had been scheduled to lead several ceremonies for the upcoming 2025 Catholic Holy Year, but all public appearances through Sunday have been canceled.
On Monday, doctors adjusted his medication for the second time to treat what was initially identified as a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract.”
Pope Francis is particularly vulnerable to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy, which led to the partial removal of one lung at age 21.
Throughout his 12-year papacy, he has been hospitalized multiple times, including a three-night stay in March 2023 for bronchitis.