Pope Francis Hospitalized with Pneumonia Amid Ongoing Health Struggles

ROME, Italy — Pope Francis remains hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs, according to a statement from the Vatican on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pontiff has been undergoing treatment at Rome‘s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic since Friday when he was admitted for what was initially reported as bronchitis.

The Vatican announced on Tuesday that tests had detected bilateral pneumonia in the pope, described by spokesman Matteo Bruni as presenting a “complex clinical picture,” requiring additional drug therapy. “The control chest CT scan that the Holy Father underwent this afternoon demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia,” the Vatican said.

Following the diagnosis, the pope’s treatment plan has been adapted to include cortisone antibiotic treatments, with extensive care required due to the underlying polymicrobial infection affecting his respiratory tract. “All the tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require adequate hospitalization,” the Vatican stated.

Despite his condition, Bruni reported the pope is in good spirits, having managed to receive the Eucharist and engage in limited work, including communications with parishioners in Gaza. “He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this moment and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him,” the Vatican statement said.

Concerns for the pope’s health have been amplified due to his age and history of respiratory issues, including part of a lung being removed decades ago. Francis has faced several hospitalizations in recent years, the most recent being in March 2023 for pneumonia.

The current hospitalization follows weeks of public engagements, leading to calls for complete rest by medical professionals. Public events for the coming days have been canceled, including the Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons set for February 23, as the Vatican adapts to the pontiff’s ongoing health needs.

Priests and parishioners have expressed their support and wishes for a speedy recovery. Rev. Tyler Carter, a U.S. priest, said, “We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly. He is our father and shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing.”

Health experts note that polymicrobial infections pose particular challenges for elderly patients. Dr. Mariangela Moscatelli, an Italian pulmonologist, explained that these infections are often difficult to manage and can involve complex treatment regimens. “There are many types of antibiotics that could be used to treat the condition,” she said.

The Vatican has stated that additional updates on Pope Francis’ condition will be provided as necessary, as the world watches closely. In the meantime, his notable absence from routine engagements underlines the seriousness of his current medical situation.

He has been known to use a wheelchair in public due to limited mobility in recent months, particularly following an incident in July 2021 when he underwent surgery for intestinal issues. The Vatican assures that they are monitoring the situation closely.