Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, and his condition is described as “complex,” according to the Vatican.
The 88-year-old Pope 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 revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional medication, the Vatican announced. It also stated that lab tests, a chest X-ray, and the Pope’s overall health continue to present a complicated situation.
Despite his condition, the Vatican mentioned that Pope Francis is in “good spirits” and spent his day reading, resting, and praying. He expressed his gratitude for the well-wishes he has received and asked for prayers.
Before being admitted to the hospital, the Pope had shown symptoms of bronchitis for several days and had asked officials to read his prepared speeches at events on his behalf.
The Pope had been scheduled to lead several events for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which will last until January, but all public events on his calendar have been canceled until Sunday.
On Monday, the Vatican noted that doctors had changed his medication for the second time during his hospitalization to address what was initially thought to be a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract.”
The Pope is particularly vulnerable to lung infections due to pleurisy he developed as an adult and the partial removal of one of his lungs at the age of 21.
Throughout his 12 years as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope has been hospitalized multiple times, including a stay in March 2023 for bronchitis.
