Pope Francis, who was hospitalized last week following a severe bout of bronchitis, has now been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, according to a recent statement from the Vatican.
The infection has allegedly worsened his existing respiratory issues, including the Pope’s prior problems in 2023 with asthmatic bronchitis, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
A series of updates from the Vatican have revealed that the pontiff’s pneumonia is caused by a polymicrobial infection. This infection has required specialized treatment, including antibiotic cortisone therapy. The Pope remains in good spirits despite the recent ailments, according to a Vatican spokesperson.
The Pope, who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 16, had initially entered in stable condition after his bronchitis worsened. Since then, doctors have closely monitored his condition, performing tests that confirmed pneumonia in both lungs.
This recent update is an especially concerning development given the Pope’s medical history, which includes a previous surgery that removed part of his lung due to a prior infection as a young man.
While the Pope has not shown signs of a high fever, experts have expressed some further concerns about his health, according to Fox 4 KDFW. Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious disease specialist in Rome, noted that a lack of fever can sometimes signal a diminished immune response, which could complicate recovery.
“Having a low fever and having a serious bronchial infection … is a sign of a decreased immune response and that makes us worry a little bit more, let’s say. Maybe if he had a fever, it would have been better,” Dr. Asero said, per Fox 4.
Despite these concerns, Pope Francis has continued to engage with his daily routine from his hospital room. According to the Vatican, he has eaten meals, read the newspapers, and even conducted some “official work.”
Reports claim that the Pope’s recent illness seems to have been exacerbated by his decision to push through a packed schedule despite doctors’ warnings.
On February 9, despite experiencing difficulty breathing, Pope Francis insisted on attending an outdoor Jubilee Mass for the Armed Forces. His aides later revealed that he had ignored medical advice to rest rather than work, perhaps contributing to the worsening state of his medical condition.