Vatican announces “complex” health condition of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, complicating his already fragile health, the Vatican announced.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling a respiratory infection for over a week, was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday.

A follow-up CT scan revealed the onset of pneumonia in both lungs, prompting doctors to adjust his medication once again. “The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon… demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy,” the Vatican stated. While his clinical condition remains “complex,” he is reported to be in “good spirits,” spending his time reading, resting, and praying.

Despite his illness, Pope Francis remains engaged with his duties from the hospital and has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, asking the faithful to “pray for him.” However, all public events through Sunday have been canceled, including key engagements for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year.

Doctors had initially diagnosed the Pope with a polymicrobial respiratory infection, leading to multiple adjustments in his treatment.

His vulnerability to lung infections stems from a history of pleurisy, which resulted in the partial removal of one lung at age 21.