On Tuesday, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis’ agenda for the weekend, which included celebrations for the Holy Year, was canceled. This decision was made after the 88-year-old Pope was hospitalized due to respiratory issues.
Later that same day, the Vatican published a health update confirming that the Pope had been diagnosed with “bilateral pneumonia”.
The statement indicated that a follow-up CT scan showed the onset of this pneumonia, which required additional pharmacological treatment.
A More Complicated Situation
Before this diagnosis, the Pope’s team had already decided to cancel his scheduled activities for the weekend. The Vatican described his condition as still “complex”, as he was on the fifth day of his hospitalization.
Pope Francis, who has had health issues in recent years, including colon inflammation and hernia surgery, lost part of his lung when he was young. In 2023, he was hospitalized for three nights due to bronchitis, which was treated with antibiotics. Additionally, since 2022, he has been using a wheelchair due to persistent knee and hip pain.
The Pope’s Recent Difficulties
On February 12, Pope Francis had to ask a priest to read his speech during his weekly audience. “Let me ask the father to continue reading because I can’t with my bronchitis. I hope I can next time,” said the Pope, visibly affected.
However, at the end of the audience, he resumed speaking to greet the Italian pilgrims and again asked for prayers for peace in the world.
Two days after the audience, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had gone to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic to receive further medical attention after his morning audiences, in which he met, among others, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The situation remains serious, but the Vatican continues to closely monitor his condition, hoping for his recovery.
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