ROME — The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both of his lungs. This comes after further testing revealed complications in the health of the 88-year-old pontiff, raising concerns about his ability to combat the infection effectively.
According to Vatican officials, the pope’s respiratory illness is accompanied by asthmatic bronchitis, which necessitates the administration of cortisone and antibiotic treatments. The Vatican’s statement noted, “Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture.”
Despite his condition, the pope remains optimistic and appreciates the prayers directed towards his recovery, as shared by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni in an update provided recently.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday in a “fair” condition after his bronchitis became more severe over the week. By Monday, medical professionals identified that he was suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection—indicating the presence of various viruses and bacteria inhabiting his airways.
Bruni explained that a follow-up CT scan showed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, prompting the need for additional medication.
Pneumonia is a serious infection that can arise from bronchitis and poses greater risks when both lungs are affected, as there may not be enough healthy lung tissue to compensate. Treatment methods may include supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, or addressing the underlying infection. As of now, Pope Francis is not reported to be using supplemental oxygen and has been able to eat breakfast, read the newspapers, and conduct some work from his hospital bed.
Information regarding the pope’s response to the medications he is receiving has been limited, and it has been confirmed that he is not experiencing a fever. Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an expert in infectious and geriatric diseases, pointed out that the absence of fever might not necessarily indicate a positive outcome given the severity of Francis’s condition. He noted, “A high fever is a sign of an immune response to a pathogen,” and cautioned that a low fever could suggest a reduced immune response, which could be more concerning.
The Vatican has not provided specific details regarding how long the pope might remain in the hospital but did indicate that treating such a “complex clinical picture” will require an “adequate” period of hospitalization. Despite the setbacks in Francis’s health, a rainbow appeared over the Gemelli hospital on Tuesday afternoon, a hopeful symbol amid the situation. Additionally, the pope received cheerful get-well drawings and cards from children being treated in the oncology ward.
Despite the pope’s hospitalization, other Vatican activities continued as usual. Cardinal Pietro Parolin continued his delicate mission in Burkina Faso, while Cardinal Michael Czerny is scheduled to leave for Lebanon on Wednesday.
However, some events had to be canceled due to the pope’s health situation; the weekly general audience for Wednesday has been called off, raising questions about whether Francis will miss his regular Sunday blessing for the second consecutive week. His stay in the hospital has also disrupted planned events related to the Vatican’s Holy Year, which attracts millions of pilgrims to Rome once every 25 years. This past weekend was dedicated to deacons, who are candidates for priesthood. Although Francis was initially set to ordain deacons during a Sunday Mass, his audience was canceled, and an archbishop will lead the service in his stead.
This arrangement follows a prior change when artists in town for a scheduled papal audience had to have a cardinal preside over their event instead. Looking ahead, the forthcoming Jubilee events that would typically involve the pope are scheduled for March 8-9, focusing on volunteers.
Pope Francis has had a history of respiratory issues, having lost part of a lung due to an infection in his youth, which makes him susceptible to bronchitis every winter. He has acknowledged being a non-compliant patient and his aides have suggested that he sometimes overexerts himself, even when diagnosed with bronchitis. The pontiff insisted on continuing his busy schedule and ignored medical advice to avoid the chilly winter conditions in Rome, participating in an outdoor Jubilee Mass for armed forces despite experiencing breathing difficulties.
This recent hospitalization has already lasted longer than a previous stay in 2023 when he was treated for pneumonia.
