Pope Francis has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, adding to his chronic health problems, the Vatican said on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pope received a chest X-ray that detected the development of bilateral pneumonia and necessitated further pharmacological treatment.
The pope was brought into Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Friday following a week-long struggle with a respiratory infection. His condition was initially reported as bronchitis, but additional tests revealed a polymicrobial infection due to several microorganisms complicating his treatment. The Vatican reported that despite the diagnosis, Francis is in good spirits and had been given the Eucharist during the day.
Because of his health issues, the Vatican canceled some upcoming engagements. His Wednesday general audience, Saturday Jubilee event, and Sunday Mass have been given to top church officials.
Pope Francis has struggled with health issues for years. He lost part of a lung in his early 20s, suffered from sciatica and knee troubles, and underwent a colon operation in 2021. In 2023, he was hospitalized for what was initially referred to as bronchitis but was later identified as pneumonia.
Even with hospitalization, the pope has been maintaining his late-night calls to Gaza’s Holy Family Church and continued to demonstrate concern for affairs in the world. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the one with whom he was able to communicate last night, has said the pope was “tired but clear-voiced,” asserting the continued drive in providing prayers and blessings.
The Vatican, in the meantime, will just have to monitor Pope Francis’s progress while calibrating his itinerary accordingly as he recovers.
