Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff, has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, a complication that has prompted the Vatican to cancel several significant events. The 88-year-old pope’s condition also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which requires the use of cortisone antibiotics. The Vatican, in a statement released Tuesday, explained that the respiratory infection presents a “complex clinical picture,” adding that laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and his clinical condition have shown more complications than initially expected.
Despite these health challenges, the Holy Father remains in good spirits. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni shared in a late update, “The Holy Father’s clinical condition continues to present a complex picture,” but added that “Francis is in good spirits and is grateful for the prayers for his recovery.” The pope, who underwent lung surgery in his youth, is thankful for the prayers of the faithful, and he has been able to keep up with his usual activities, including reading the newspapers and doing some work from his hospital room.
Pope Francis was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome last Friday after his week-long battle with bronchitis worsened. Doctors soon confirmed that he was suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which means multiple viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms had colonized his respiratory tract. According to Bruni, a follow-up chest CT scan revealed “the onset of bilateral pneumonia,” which has required additional drug therapy.
While the pope’s condition remains serious, he is not using supplemental oxygen and has maintained his daily routine, including eating breakfast and attending to Vatican affairs. However, his hospitalization has led to the cancellation of several key events. Notably, the Vatican announced that the weekly general audience, scheduled for Wednesday, will not take place. “There will be no weekly general audience Wednesday,” the Vatican confirmed, citing the pope’s health as the reason.
Moreover, the pope’s absence has affected other important activities. The Vatican revealed that events surrounding the Holy Year, a special year dedicated to faith and pilgrimage, have also been canceled. These events typically attract millions of pilgrims to Rome, but due to the pope’s hospitalization, some gatherings have had to proceed without his presence. Specifically, the pope was set to ordain new deacons during a Mass on Sunday, but this ceremony was also canceled. In his place, the archbishop responsible for organizing the Jubilee will preside over the Mass, as confirmed by the Vatican: “The archbishop who is organizing the Jubilee would celebrate the Mass in the pope’s place.”
These cancellations come amid growing concerns about Pope Francis’ health. While he has a history of bouts with bronchitis, his resilience has often led him to continue with his duties, sometimes against medical advice. Earlier this month, he insisted on attending an outdoor Mass for the armed forces, despite struggling with breathing difficulties. “He refused to let up on his busy schedule and ignored medical advice to stay indoors during Rome’s chilly winter,” the Vatican noted. However, this time, the seriousness of his condition has necessitated significant adjustments to his schedule.
The Vatican has not provided a timeline for the pope’s recovery or indicated when he might return to his public duties. For now, the faithful are invited to continue praying for the pope’s health, as he remains in good spirits and thankful for their support. As Bruni stated, the Holy Father is grateful for all the prayers and well wishes, which offer comfort during this challenging time.
We pray for the speedy recovery of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and for the restoration of his health so he may continue his ministry to the Church and the world.
