VATICAN CITY, Rome — Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs following a CT scan, the Vatican confirmed Tuesday, February 18, 2025, as concerns mount over the health of the 88-year-old pontiff.
While the Vatican stated that Francis remains in good spirits, officials acknowledged that his condition presents “a complex clinical picture” that requires continued hospitalization and adjustments to his treatment.
“The control chest CT scan that the Holy Father underwent this afternoon … demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required further pharmacological therapy,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Pneumonia Diagnosis Follows Respiratory Infection
The pope was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic last week for “diagnostic tests” after showing symptoms of a respiratory infection.
On Monday, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni disclosed that the pontiff had a “polymicrobial infection” affecting his respiratory tract, prompting a change in his treatment.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, polymicrobial infections are complex conditions caused by a combination of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
The Vatican has not specified which pathogens were detected in Francis’ case but confirmed that his medical team is closely monitoring his condition.
Despite the pneumonia diagnosis, the Vatican assured the public that the pope is stable. “Pope Francis is in good spirits,” the statement read.
“He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this moment and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him.”
Health Challenges and Past Medical History
The pope’s health has been a growing concern in recent years. As a young man, he suffered severe pneumonia and had part of one lung removed.
More recently, he has been seen using a wheelchair due to mobility issues and has suffered two falls in recent months.
In 2021, he underwent surgery to remove part of his colon due to diverticulitis, a condition that can cause inflammation or infection of the digestive tract.
Doctors have prescribed “complete rest” for the pope, canceling all public engagements until at least Saturday.
The Vatican has not provided an estimated timeline for his discharge, though Bruni stated that Francis is “alternating rest with prayer and reading” as he recovers.
Support and Concern from Worshipers
News of the pope’s hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of support from Catholics and religious leaders around the world.
Worshippers gathered outside the Vatican have expressed their prayers and well wishes for the pontiff’s swift recovery.
“We certainly wish for him to get better very quickly,” Rev. Tyler Carter, a U.S. priest, told Reuters.
“He is our father and our shepherd, and so we want his continued health and blessing.”
Manuel Rossi, a visitor from Milan, added: “I am 18 years old, so I have seen few popes in my life, and I feel very close to him. I hope he recovers as soon as possible.”
A Reduced Workload Amid Health Struggles
Despite his hospitalisation, the pope has continued to engage in some of his routine obligations.
Over the weekend, he made phone calls to clergy members in Gaza to check on their well-being amid ongoing violence in the region.
“We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired,” said Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, a priest in Gaza City. “He himself said, ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well.”
However, his declining health has forced him to scale back his responsibilities.
For only the second time in his 12-year papacy, Francis did not lead the Sunday Angelus prayer.
Vatican officials have also acknowledged that his ability to travel and maintain a rigorous schedule has been significantly impacted in recent months.
Awaiting Further Updates
As the pope remains in hospital under close observation, the Vatican has assured the public that updates will be provided as his condition progresses.
The coming days will be critical in determining how well Francis responds to treatment and whether additional medical interventions will be necessary.
For now, the pontiff continues to rest, with the Vatican emphasizing that while his condition is serious, he remains “in good spirits.”
