Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized since last week, was found to have pneumonia in both lungs following a CT scan on Tuesday, the Vatican announced. The 88-year-old pontiff, one of the oldest popes in the church's history, had been dealing with a respiratory tract infection that required a change in treatment.
Despite the onset of pneumonia, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis is in good spirits and continues to pray and read texts during his hospitalization. Polymicrobial infections, which can be caused by a combination of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, are complex diseases that require adequate hospitalization.
Worshipers outside the Vatican expressed concern over the pope's health, wishing him a speedy recovery. The pope's routine obligations were temporarily put on hold as he focused on his health, with all public events canceled until Saturday.
Having a history of lung-related medical struggles, including severe pneumonia in his youth and recent falls, Pope Francis has been advised to rest and take care of himself. His colleagues in Gaza City noted that he sounded tired but remained attentive during a recent phone call.
As the pope receives treatment at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, well-wishers around the world hope for his swift recovery so he can resume his mission and work at St. Peter's.
