Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, prompting doctors to adjust his treatment as he remains under close medical supervision.
The Vatican, in a statement released Tuesday, confirmed that a chest CT scan conducted on the 88-year-old pontiff showed signs of bilateral pneumonia, leading to an intensified drug therapy.
“The control chest CT scan that the Holy Father underwent this afternoon demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required further pharmacological therapy,” the statement read.
The Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday after experiencing respiratory discomfort, which was initially thought to be a polymicrobial infection—a complex condition involving multiple pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
“The results of the tests carried out in recent days and today have demonstrated a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract that has led to a further change in therapy,” the Vatican had stated on Monday.
Pope Francis has a long history of respiratory issues, having undergone surgery to remove part of one lung in his early twenties due to pleurisy. This history has made him particularly vulnerable to lung infections, requiring extra caution in his medical care.
As a result of his current condition, the Vatican has canceled all public engagements through Sunday, including planned events for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which extends until January 2026.
