What Is Bilateral Pneumonia, the Illness That Has Worsened Pope Francis’ Health?

The Vatican has reported that Pope Francis’ condition has worsened after being diagnosed with “bilateral pneumonia”, which, combined with a polymicrobial infection, makes “therapeutic treatment more complex.”

After initially suffering from bronchitis, the Pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was given cortisone and antibiotics to fight the infection. However, the treatment has not produced the expected results.

According to Vatican sources, “Pope Francis is in good spirits,” as they assure that “he received the Eucharist this morning and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading.” They also expressed gratitude for the support of the people, stating that the Pontiff “is thankful for the closeness he feels at this moment and asks, with a grateful heart, for continued prayers.”

The presence of infections, along with the inflammation caused by bilateral pneumonia and the ineffectiveness of the treatment, has significantly worsened the Pontiff’s condition. According to sources from the Holy See, the Pope has undergone a chest CT scan. “(The test) has shown the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy,” explains the statement.

He has canceled his schedule until Sunday

Earlier, at midday on Tuesday, the Pope had already canceled his entire schedule for the week, which included a Jubilee audience on Saturday and a Mass on Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica, which will instead be led by Cardinal Rino Fisichella.

The morning medical report simply stated that Francis had slept well: “This morning he received the Eucharist and, during the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He is grateful for the closeness he feels at this moment and asks, with a grateful heart, for continued prayers.” However, it did not provide many more details, which were later revealed in the second statement issued at 7:30 PM.

Jorge Bergoglio is 88 years old and has struggled with lung problems for some time. These issues worsened in 2023, and now he faces a new setback with this bilateral pneumonia, which has required modifications to his therapy at Gemelli Hospital, where he is frequently visited by his three secretaries: Daniel Pellizon, Juan Cruz Villalón, and Fabio Salerno.

What is bilateral pneumonia?

Bilateral pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by a pathogen entering through the respiratory tract. This leads to alveoli inflammation, which can sometimes fill with fluid or even pus. It is called bilateral because it affects both lungs. Its symptoms include high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Pneumonia can range from mild to potentially life-threatening. It is more severe in young children, people over 65 years old, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems.