Pope Francis Recovering Amid Pneumonia Treatment, Vatican Confirms
Pope Francis is showing resilience despite battling pneumonia, a Vatican source confirmed on Wednesday, reassuring the public about his condition.
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to a hospital in Rome last week due to breathing difficulties and was initially diagnosed with bronchitis. However, the Vatican later revealed that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs.
Following his fifth night at the Gemelli hospital, where a special suite is reserved for popes, the Vatican shared an update on his recovery:
“The pope had a peaceful night, woke up, and had breakfast. He is breathing on his own, and his heart remains strong,” the source stated.
Francis has been speaking with friends over the phone, spending time out of bed, sitting in a chair, and occasionally working, offering further reassurance about his well-being.
A Complex Health Condition
Despite reports of the pope being in “good spirits,” medical updates indicate that his condition remains complicated. A Vatican statement detailed that a “polymicrobial infection” had worsened his bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, requiring additional treatment with cortisone and antibiotics.
A follow-up CT scan confirmed the onset of pneumonia, leading doctors to adjust his medication accordingly.
Pope Francis has faced lung-related health issues in the past—he underwent surgery at 21 to remove part of his right lung due to pleurisy, a condition that nearly claimed his life.
Support and Prayers for the Pope
Outside the hospital, pilgrims have gathered in prayer, placing candles beneath a statue of Pope John Paul II. Among them was Jacqueline Troncoso, a Bolivian resident of Rome, who expressed her heartfelt wishes:
“I came to pray for the pope’s recovery. I hope he gets better soon.”
The Vatican also shared drawings and letters from children in the hospital, including messages from parents asking Francis to pray for their sick children.
What’s Next for the Pontiff?
Due to his health, the Vatican has canceled a scheduled papal audience on Saturday and confirmed that he will not preside over Sunday’s Mass. However, an official decision regarding his weekly Angelus prayer, traditionally held at midday on Sundays, has yet to be announced.
Jesuit theologian Antonio Spadaro, who is close to Francis, noted that the pope might remain in the hospital for two to three weeks. “His condition is delicate, but there is no sense of alarm,” he assured.
Francis has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including hernia and colon surgeries. He also uses a wheelchair due to knee pain.
While the pope has previously mentioned the possibility of stepping down if his health prevented him from fulfilling his duties, he stated in a memoir last year that this remains a “distant possibility” and would only be considered in cases of severe physical incapacity.
For now, Pope Francis remains focused on his recovery, with the Vatican providing ongoing updates on his condition.
