The Vatican has provided an update on the health of Pope Francis.
Key Points
- Tests have now confirmed Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia.
- He was visited by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who found him “alert and reactive”.
- The statement from the Vatican on Wednesday confirmed that the Pontiff would require ongoing hospitalisation.
The 88-year-old Pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday.
Tests have now confirmed Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia.
A CT scan revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia (pneumonia in both lungs), requiring additional medical treatment, the Vatican reported on Wednesday morning.
In an update overnight, the Vatican said Pope Francis is showing “slight improvement”.
In the statement, the Vatican reported that his “clinical conditions are stable” and his blood tests show “a slight improvement, in particular of the inflammatory markers”.
“Alert and reactive”
In the wake of the news of the Pope’s ill health, many devotees have placed flowers and candles at the foot of a statue of Pope John Paul II outside the hospital.
“I’m very, very worried,” a patient at the hospital told ABC’s World Today. “I wish him a speedy recovery and we’re praying for him deeply.
“He’s a very good Pope, a great Pope, and I hope he’s with us for a long time.”
He was visited by Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who found him “alert and reactive,” she said in a statement.
“He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humour.”
A Vatican spokesperson told CNN that Francis was “making decisions” and “signing things off” while in hospital.
Stable
Pope Francis was first admitted to hospital on Friday, February 14, “for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for bronchitis,” the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office said at the time.
Later, the Vatican said that initial tests indicated “a respiratory tract infection”.
“His clinical condition is stable, with a slight fever,” the statement read.
All of his scheduled duties were cancelled, including for the current Jubilee.
“Pray for him”
By Monday, the Pope was still under hospital care.
“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours,” a Vatican statement read at the time.
“He especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalised at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes.
“He prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”
Ongoing care
The statement from the Vatican on Wednesday confirmed that the Pontiff would require ongoing hospitalisation.
“Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains in good spirits,” the statement read.
The Vatican said the Pope has spent his time resting, praying and reading.
History of illness
It is not the first time the Pope has suffered ill health due to lung issues. As a young man, Francis had part of one lung removed due to a pulmonary infection.
In 2023, he was hospitalised with a lung infection, which was later diagnosed to be pneumonia.
That same year, he cancelled a trip to Dubai due to acute bronchitis.
Because of such bouts of illness the Pope conceded in his memoir last year that stepping down was a “possibility”.
“Committed Catholics would be very concerned about the Pope, because he has been a breath of fresh of air for the church,” former Australian priest and historian Paul Collins told the ABC.
“Certainly for people who want to move the church into the contemporary world.”
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
About the author: Michael Crooks is a senior journalist and former news editor of Who magazine. His work has appeared in People, Marie Claire, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, news.com.au, Qantas magazine and more.
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