The Vatican announced on Tuesday evening, Feb. 18, that Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs after new tests revealed further complications in the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition.
His respiratory infection also includes asthmatic bronchitis.
“Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican stated.
As a young man, Pope Francis had the upper lobe of his right lung removed.
Despite this, the pope remains in good spirits, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said.
He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital in “fair” condition on Friday, Feb. 14, after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened.
On Monday, Feb. 17, doctors diagnosed him with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, indicating a mix of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms affecting his respiratory system.
“The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon … demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy,” Bruni said.
The Vatican also reported that Pope Francis has been eating breakfast daily, reading newspapers, and working from his hospital room.
No timeline was given for his discharge, only that his treatment—already requiring two changes in medication—necessitates an “adequate” hospital stay.
