- In a Tuesday evening press release, the Holy See Press Office says that Pope Francis has double pneumonia, but nevertheless “remains in good spirits”
By Vatican News
“Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture.”
In a message to journalists on Tuesday evening, the Holy See Press Office gave the latest update on the Pope’s health since he was hospitalized on Friday to receive treatment for bronchitis.
The statement added that the Pope’s “polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”
“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the “A. Gemelli” Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy.”
“Nevertheless,” the press release adds, “Pope Francis remains in good spirits.”
The Press Office statement concludes by noting that the Pope had “received the Eucharist and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue.”
On Monday evening, the Press Office said the Holy Father has not had a fever and continues with the prescribed therapy.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope would not preside at Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, which is scheduled for Sunday, February 23.
“For the celebration of the Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of Deacons, scheduled for Sunday, February 23, at 9:00 AM in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis has delegated Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World.”
The Pope has received numerous messages of well-wishes, as well as drawings and cards from children in the pediatric oncology unit.
Monday’s statement said Pope Francis is “touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving.”
@Vatican News
