Vatican Reports: Pope Battles Pneumonia in Both Lungs but Stays Positive and Resilient

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, according to the Vatican. This condition has raised concerns, given that the 88-year-old pope is battling a serious infection.

The Vatican noted that he also has asthmatic bronchitis, which requires cortisone and antibiotics. His medical team described his situation as complex, following tests, chest X-rays, and other evaluations.

Despite these challenges, Pope Francis remains in good spirits. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni shared that he is thankful for the prayers being offered for his recovery. The pope was admitted to Gemelli Hospital last Friday after his bronchitis worsened.

On Monday, doctors diagnosed him with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection. This means multiple pathogens were affecting his lungs. A chest CT scan later showed he had developed bilateral pneumonia, necessitating further treatment.

Pneumonia is a severe lung infection that can occur after bronchitis. It affects the air sacs in the lungs, and when both lungs are involved, it can lead to more serious complications. Treatment often includes oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and medication to target the infection. So far, Francis has not required supplemental oxygen and continues to eat, read, and work from his hospital room.

The Vatican has not shared detailed information about how he is responding to treatment, only stating he isn’t currently experiencing a fever. Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an expert in infectious diseases, noted that a lack of fever can sometimes suggest a weakened immune response, which is a concern in such infections.

While the Vatican hasn’t specified when the pope will be released, they did mention his treatment may require a longer hospital stay due to the complexity of his condition.

Even in the midst of these health challenges, a rainbow appeared over the hospital, and the pope received get-well drawings from children in the hospital’s oncology ward. Meanwhile, important Vatican business is still being conducted. Cardinal Pietro Parolin is visiting Burkina Faso, and Cardinal Michael Czerny is set to travel to Lebanon.

However, some of the pope’s public engagements have been canceled, including the weekly general audience and his Sunday blessing. His hospitalization has also affected events related to the Vatican Holy Year, with a scheduled Mass for deacons now being led by another archbishop.

Pope Francis has a history of respiratory issues, having had part of a lung removed after a young age. He’s known to push himself, often disregarding medical advice. This hospitalization is extending longer than a similar stay earlier this year for pneumonia.

Wishing for a swift recovery for Pope Francis is at the forefront of many hearts during this difficult time.

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Pope Francis, Vatican City, Pneumonia, Matteo Bruni, Rome, Lung disease, Europe, Paolo Santalucia, Pietro Parolin, Religion, Medical diagnostic

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