Pope Francis remains at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, battling bilateral pneumonia—a development described as a “complex clinical picture” by Vatican press office director Matteo Bruni. The latest update, issued Tuesday evening, follows diagnostic tests that have heightened concern for the 88-year-old Pontiff.
According to Bruni, doctors identified a polymicrobial infection, stemming from pre-existing bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, which now requires corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy. A follow-up CT scan, conducted in coordination with Vatican and Gemelli physicians, confirmed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, prompting adjustments to his treatment plan.
Despite his condition, Pope Francis reportedly remains in good spirits, spending the day alternating between prayer, rest, and reading. He also received the Eucharist. Bruni relayed the Pontiff’s gratitude for the public’s support and his request for continued prayers.
The bulletin followed a relatively calm fourth night at the hospital, breaking a day of silence that had left observers anticipating news. The escalation from a respiratory infection to pneumonia raises concerns given the Pope’s age and health history. His hospitalization is expected to be extended, and the Vatican has canceled all engagements, including the general audience and the Jubilee of Deacons Mass on Sunday. Archbishop Rino Fisichella will preside over the liturgy and ordinations on the Pope’s behalf.
Whether Francis will deliver Sunday’s Angelus remains uncertain. Last week, his address was issued in writing. Meanwhile, the Pontiff is upholding his pastoral duties, maintaining his daily outreach—on Monday, he phoned Gaza’s Holy Family Parish to show support for the local Catholic community.
The Pope also continues managing Church affairs from his hospital suite, with secretaries delivering documents from the Vatican. On Tuesday, he sent a message to the Triveneto Theological Faculty for its 20th anniversary and announced a change in the Canadian episcopate, accepting Bishop Jean-Pierre Blais’s resignation and appointing Father Pierre Charland as his successor.
