Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs and will not participate in activities through the weekend because of his health issues, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.
Francis, who was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Friday, had initially been diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, which means he has a mix of microbes, like a virus or bacteria, in his lungs or another part of his respiratory tract.
In an update on his status Tuesday evening, the Vatican said that the pope’s clinical condition “continued to present a complex picture” and that his treatment would be modified.
The infection “arose on a picture of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis,” which required the use of cortisone antibiotic therapy, the Vatican said. A CT scan carried out Tuesday showed the “onset of bilateral pneumonia” which required additional drug therapy, the Vatican added.
“Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits,” and was grateful for the prayers for his recovery, the Vatican said.
Earlier in the day, Matteo Bruni, a Vatican spokesman, told reporters at a news briefing at the Vatican that the pope had rested, eaten breakfast and had read newspapers “as he usually does.”
The Vatican said earlier that the pope would not be attending events through the weekend. Francis delegated a Vatican prelate to participate in a Mass for him on Sunday. Last week, Francis was unable to attend another scheduled event, for artists, at the Vatican.
This is the fourth time Francis has stayed at the hospital, the Policlinico A. Gemelli.
In 2021, he had colon surgery there. In 2023, he was admitted for a respiratory infection but went home after three days. He was hospitalized again a few months later to undergo abdominal surgery for a hernia. Last February, he underwent diagnostic tests at the Gemelli hospital after a slight flu.
As a young man, he had the upper lobe of his right lung removed, and he is prone to bouts of influenza and bronchitis during the cold winter months. His medical challenges have increased in recent years. Because of knee problems and sciatica, he often uses a wheelchair, walker or cane.
Francis’ engagements have increased since the start of the 2025 Jubilee — a year of faith, penance and forgiveness of sins that takes place every quarter-century — which opened on Christmas Eve. Millions are expected to make a pilgrimage to the Vatican this year, and Jubilee events for different groups are scheduled over the next 10 months.
