Pope Francis, 88, is battling pneumonia in both lungs and remains hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, according to a Vatican statement released Tuesday. Officials say he remains in "good spirits" despite what the Vatican described as a "complex" medical picture, and he has received ongoing therapy to address a polymicrobial respiratory infection.
"The chest CT scan that the Holy Father underwent this afternoon... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required further pharmacological therapy," the Vatican said.
Medical staff first noted bronchitis symptoms before the pontiff was admitted last week. "The polymicrobial infection, which arose on a picture of bronchiectasis and asmatiform bronchitis, and which required the use of antibiotic cortisone therapy, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex," a Vatican statement said. Doctors have reportedly adjusted his treatments at least twice to combat the mix of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms.
The Holy See indicated that Pope Francis, who at the age of 21 had part of his lung removed due to pleurisy, remains particularly susceptible to lung ailments. Despite this vulnerability, he continued working through the early stages of his illness, and officials say he even participated in outdoor events during chilly winter weather in Rome. The Vatican hasn't said how long the pontiff will stay in the hospital.
The pope's condition prompted the Vatican to cancel or delegate all of his planned public engagements through Sunday. "For the celebration of the Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of Deacons, scheduled for Sunday, February 23, at 9:00 AM in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has delegated Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World," the Holy See press office said. Francis was originally slated to preside over multiple events related to the 2025 Catholic Holy Year.
Vatican officials noted that Francis was "touched" by the flood of prayers and well-wishes he has received. Staff also reported that children in the hospital's pediatric oncology ward have been sending drawings and letters to cheer him. This latest hospital stay follows multiple health challenges over the years, including surgeries in 2021 and 2023, plus ongoing knee issues that have frequently required him to use a wheelchair.
Pope Francis first faced a serious respiratory setback at age 21 when doctors removed part of his lung to treat pleurisy. That procedure has made him more prone to lung infections. During his 12-year tenure as head of the Roman Catholic Church, he has been hospitalized several times, including in March 2023 when he received treatment for bronchitis.
The Vatican emphasized that recent tests included lab work and imaging:
- Chest X-rays indicating complex infection.
- CT scans revealing bilateral pneumonia.
- Polymicrobial infection identified as the root cause.
"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 reiterated on Tuesday. The statement added that while the 88-year-old pontiff's condition remains "complex," he has been in a "good mood" and received the Eucharist early Tuesday.
Though concerned for his health, Pope Francis has tried to maintain a busy schedule in recent months. Officials said he "refused to let up on his busy schedule and ignored medical advice to stay indoors during Rome's chilly winter." Before his hospitalization last week, the pope had delegated officials to read prepared speeches at certain events, but he continued to appear in public until symptoms worsened.
