The Vatican announced on Tuesday (18 February), that Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, with his clinical condition described as "complex." As a result, all scheduled papal events have been cancelled until the end of the week.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital last week due to breathing difficulties and was initially diagnosed with bronchitis.
According to an official statement, medical evaluations—including laboratory tests, a chest X-ray, and an ongoing clinical assessment—have revealed a "polymicrobial infection" that has compounded his pre-existing bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis.
The Vatican noted that this has necessitated the use of cortisone and antibiotic therapy, making his treatment increasingly complex.
A follow-up CT scan conducted on Tuesday confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, prompting additional drug therapy, the statement added.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis is said to be in good spirits, spending his fifth day in hospital alternating between rest, prayer, and reading.
