Pope Francis Faces Worsening Health Condition

Pope Francis, who is 88 years old, is experiencing a deterioration in his health as he battles bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican has described his condition as "complex" in their latest statement. Compounding the situation is the fact that Francis had part of a lung removed in his youth, which limits his respiratory capacity.

Despite the serious nature of his illness—exacerbated by previous respiratory issues—the Pope remains in good spirits and continues with some work activities under medical supervision. "A CT scan of the chest performed this afternoon on the Holy Father, as prescribed by the Vatican health team and the medical team from the A. Gemelli University Polyclinic, revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia requiring additional drug therapy," the Vatican stated.

Bilateral pneumonia, affecting both lungs, has worsened an existing polymicrobial infection, occurring in a context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, which necessitated antibiotic therapy with cortisone. This situation "complicates the therapeutic treatment," added the statement. "Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," reiterated the Holy See.

Uncertain Hospitalization Period

The Vatican has not specified how long the Pope will remain hospitalized. "The treatment of such a complex clinical picture, which has already required two changes in his medication regime, will require an appropriate stay," Vatican authorities indicated. As a precaution, all papal audiences have been canceled for the remainder of the week. The Pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome last Friday in "regular" health after a week-long battle with bronchitis worsened.

Since then, he has remained under observation at the medical center, with treatments being adjusted based on his condition's progression.

Lung Inflammation and Respiratory Complications

Bilateral pneumonia involves severe lung inflammation caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. In severe cases, the lung alveoli fill with pus and fluid, making oxygen absorption and breathing difficult. "The most significant risk involves the progressive and sometimes very rapid loss of lung capacity. In the most challenging cases, when oxygen is insufficient, intubation is necessary until the pneumonia is overcome," respiratory disease specialists cited by the Spanish press warn.

Currently, the Pope has not required invasive respiratory support, but his progress is closely monitored by doctors at the Gemelli Polyclinic.

The Pope's Medical History

In recent years, Francis has faced several health challenges. In June 2023, he underwent surgery to remove intestinal scar tissue and repair an abdominal wall hernia. Earlier, in March of the same year, he spent three days in the same hospital receiving intravenous antibiotics for another respiratory infection. Since his youth, when part of his lung was removed, the Pope has experienced recurrent respiratory issues.

Last year, during Holy Week, he was affected by a prolonged bronchitis.

Pope Francis Continues Some Work Activities

Despite being advised to rest completely, the Pope continues to engage in some work activities with the assistance of his personal secretaries, who bring him documents and newspapers. He has also maintained contact with the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, with which he communicates daily since the conflict in the region began.

"Despite his hospitalization, Francis spoke again Monday evening with the Holy Family Parish, the only Catholic church in Gaza," Argentine priest Gabriel Romanelli told Italian media.

During his hospitalization, the Pope has spent time in prayer and reflection, as well as receiving the Eucharist. "This morning he received the Eucharist, and throughout the day, he alternated rest with prayer and reading texts. He appreciates the closeness he feels at this moment and asks, with a grateful heart, for continued prayers for him," concluded the Vatican statement.

Among the canceled activities is the jubilee audience scheduled for this Saturday, as well as the Jubilee Mass of the Deacons on Sunday, in which he will be replaced by Rino Fisichella, head of the Dicastery for Evangelization.