Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, further complicating his treatment for a respiratory infection, the Vatican said on Tuesday. All public events through Sunday have been cancelled, as the 88-year-old pontiff remains in hospital for ongoing care.
The Vatican confirmed that a CT scan showed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy. The condition affects both lungs, making breathing more difficult.
Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican said:
"Pope Francis remains in good spirits."
Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 for a respiratory infection. Doctors have adjusted his medication for the second time as they work to manage a "polymicrobial infection", which involves multiple microorganisms.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the infection is bacterial or viral. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, but viral infections require supportive care.
The pontiff is especially vulnerable to lung infections due to a past lung operation. In his youth, he had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy, a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs.
A Vatican official stated that Francis is breathing on his own and has not been placed on a ventilator.
The Vatican announced the cancellation of all public events through Sunday, including key gatherings for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which expects 32 million pilgrims to visit Rome.
Doctors have not given a timeline for Francis' discharge, stating:
"The Holy Father will remain in hospital for as long as necessary.
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The U.S. State Department has authorised a potential Foreign Military Sale of Advanced Medium Range Air‑to‑Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Denmark, aimed at bolstering the Scandinavian nation’s air defence capabilities, the Pentagon’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency said on Monday.
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Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise, has died after a Ferrari crash on Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise, has died after a Ferrari crash on Angeles Crest Highway north of Los Angeles.
A major power outage swept across San Francisco on Saturday, leaving up to 130,000 customers without electricity, disrupting traffic and forcing some businesses to close temporarily, officials said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
Israel’s government has approved the creation of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that analysts say further undermines the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
Swedish customs officials have boarded a Russian freighter anchored in Swedish waters after confirming that the vessel and its owners are subject to European Union and U.S. sanctions.
An international scientific-practical congress marking the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State Advanced Training Institute for Doctors named after Aziz Aliyev has opened in Baku.
China has announced plans to fully cover childbirth-related costs for families as authorities move to incentivise young couples to have more children.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that he still hopes the U.S. administration will reconsider its decision to withdraw from the organisation next month, warning that its exit would be a loss for the world.
The United States has signed significant health cooperation agreements with Uganda and Lesotho, further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing global health initiatives, the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday.
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