The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, is battling pneumonia in both lungs, with the Vatican describing his condition as “complex.”
The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been struggling with a respiratory infection for over a week, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Friday.
A Vatican statement confirmed that a follow-up CT scan conducted on Monday afternoon “demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy.”
It further noted that while lab tests, a chest X-ray, and his overall clinical condition painted a “complex picture,” the Pope remained “in good spirits” and spent his day “reading, resting and praying.”
Grateful for the support from well-wishers, Pope Francis urged them to “pray for him.”
Before being hospitalized, he had been experiencing bronchitis symptoms for several days, delegating officials to read his speeches at events.
He had been scheduled to preside over several gatherings for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which extends until January, but all public appearances have been canceled through Sunday.
On Monday, Vatican officials disclosed that doctors had adjusted the Pope’s medication for the second time since his admission, initially believing he had a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract.”
Francis’ susceptibility to lung infections stems from a past battle with pleurisy, which led to the partial removal of one of his lungs at age 21.
His tenure as head of the Catholic Church, spanning 12 years, has seen multiple hospitalizations, including a three-night stay in March 2023 due to bronchitis.
