Pope Francis’ Health Worsens with Pneumonia
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with double pneumonia. Still, despite the severity of his illness, the 88-year-old pontiff remains “in good spirits” as he undergoes treatment at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, according to the Vatican.
The pope was hospitalised last Friday due to what was initially identified as bronchitis. However, the Holy See Press Office provided an update Tuesday evening revealing that further medical tests indicate “the clinical condition of the Holy Father continues to present a complex picture.”
“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the ‘A. Gemelli’ Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy,” the statement said.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis has continued participating in religious practices. “Pope Francis remains in good spirits” and has “received the Eucharist and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading,” the Vatican said.
“He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue,” they added.
RELATED: Pope Francis hospitalised for 4 days with an infection.
Amid growing concerns about his health, Politico reported that two sources familiar with the matter claim the pope “has privately expressed certainty he won’t make it this time” and “is rushing to tie up loose ends ahead of the battle to succeed him.”
Francis was initially reluctant to go to the hospital, but one of the sources cited by Politico said he was warned that staying in his Vatican residence could be fatal. Following his hospitalisation, the pope cancelled a Saturday jubilee general audience, an audience at an artists’ studio, and a Mass he was scheduled to officiate. The Mass was instead led by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça.
On Monday, the Vatican acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that tests had revealed a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, which has led to a further change in therapy.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was elected head of the Catholic Church in 2013, becoming the first Latin American pontiff and succeeding Pope Benedict XVI.
Francis has faced several health challenges over the years. He had part of one lung removed in his youth due to a pulmonary infection and was hospitalised in 2023 for a respiratory illness.
As he undergoes treatment, the Vatican has called for continued prayers, while the global Catholic community closely watches the situation, hoping for his recovery.
Content Credit| Agbetan Bisola
Picture Credit | https://www.bbc.com/
