The health condition of Pope Francis is deteriorating as he remains in the hospital for an indefinite period, receiving treatment for pneumonia, in what the Vatican described as a 'complex picture.' The 88-year-old pontiff underwent additional exams on Tuesday, February 18, and a chest CT scan showed the appearance of bilateral pneumonia that required more pharmacological therapy, the Vatican detailed.
'Polymicrobial infection, occurring in a context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, which required the use of antibiotic therapy with cortisone, makes therapeutic treatment more complex,' the Holy See explained. 'The appearance of bilateral pneumonia requiring additional pharmacological therapy,' it added.
Pope Francis was hospitalized last Friday, February 14, in Rome, where his doctors have been adjusting medications to treat his respiratory tract infection.
The Supreme Pontiff is the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European pontiff since the 8th century. On Christmas Eve 2024, he inaugurated the Jubilee Year, a period of penance, forgiveness, and renewal for Catholics, which has been held every 25 years since 1300.
On Tuesday morning, Pope Francis received the Eucharist and asked for the prayers of his faithful. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis assumed the role of spiritual leader of Catholics in 2013. Bilateral pneumonia affects both lungs and may present asymptomatically or with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms that may require respiratory assistance.
People suffering from pneumonia often experience symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include confusion, excessive sweating, headache, loss of appetite, chest pain, and in severe cases, white nail syndrome or leukonychia.
The Vatican continues to provide updates on the pope's health as he receives treatment for his bilateral pneumonia.
