The Vatican announced on Tuesday evening, February 18, that Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, following new tests that revealed further complications in the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition.
In addition to the pneumonia, the pope’s 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 his condition, the pope remains in good spirits, according to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday, February 14, in “fair” condition after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened.
On Monday, February 17, doctors determined that he was suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, meaning a combination of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms had infected his respiratory tract.
Bruni further explained that a follow-up chest CT scan on the pope later that afternoon revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional medication.
The Vatican also reported that Pope Francis has been eating breakfast daily, reading the newspapers, and continuing his work from his hospital room.
No details have been provided regarding how much longer the pope will remain hospitalized, although it was stated that his treatment, which has already involved two adjustments in his medication, will require an “adequate” hospital stay.
