He’s staying strong despite the complex illness.
Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has been diagnosed with double pneumonia. Despite the seriousness of his condition, the Vatican has reported that he remains “in good spirits” as he undergoes treatment. The Pope was initially hospitalized last Friday for bronchitis, but further tests at the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional medical treatment.
The Vatican’s Press Office shared that Pope Francis has been alternating between rest, prayer, and reading while receiving the Eucharist. He has expressed his gratitude for the support he has received and asked for continued prayers. Despite his health challenges, sources suggest that the Pope privately feels uncertain about his recovery and is working to resolve matters related to his papacy.
Last week, Pope Francis had to cancel several engagements, including a jubilee general audience and a mass that was instead led by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça. The Pope initially resisted hospitalization, but was warned by doctors that remaining in the Vatican would have put his life at risk. His medical team has since prescribed a more intensive treatment regimen due to a complex respiratory infection.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis became the first Latin American Pope when he was elected in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope has had past health challenges, including the removal of part of one of his lungs due to a pulmonary infection in his youth and a prior hospitalization for respiratory issues in 2023.