VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, further complicating his fragile health, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been battling a respiratory infection for more than a week and remains under medical care at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
According to a Vatican statement, a chest scan conducted on Tuesday afternoon revealed “the onset of bilateral pneumonia,” a condition affecting both lungs.
The infection, described as polymicrobial—meaning it involves multiple microorganisms—has made treatment more complex, requiring both corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Update from the Holy See Press Office.
Despite the severity of his condition, the Vatican reassured that Francis remains in “good spirits.”
A senior Vatican official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the pope is breathing on his own and has not required a ventilator.
The diagnosis marks a troubling turn for the pontiff, who has faced ongoing health challenges in recent years, including sciatica, recurring flu episodes, and a hernia surgery in 2023.
His susceptibility to lung infections dates back to his youth when he underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to pleurisy.
Given his condition, the Vatican has canceled all public engagements through Sunday, including key events tied to preparations for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year.
Doctors have adjusted Francis’s treatment regimen for the second time since his hospitalization began on February 14.
While the Vatican has not indicated how long he will remain in the hospital, it has emphasized that his care will continue “for as long as necessary.”
Amid concerns over his health, Francis expressed gratitude for the prayers and well-wishes he has received.
“With a thankful heart, he asks for continued prayers on his behalf,” the Vatican statement concluded.
