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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China has voiced support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s direct negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, while U.S. allies reaffirmed their backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a G20 meeting in South Africa.
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
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Greece is struggling with severe water shortages as climate change intensifies droughts and aging infrastructure leaks nearly half of its drinking water. The crisis threatens agriculture, public health, and daily life.
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