The Vatican has said Pope Francis has bilateral pneumonia but remains in good spirits.
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The Vatican announced on Tuesday evening that Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs, after new tests showed a further complication in the condition of the 88-year-old pontiff.
The pope's respiratory infection also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which requires the use of cortisone antibiotic treatment. “Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican said. As a young man, Pope Francis had the upper lobe of his right lung removed.
Nevertheless, the pope remains in good spirits, said Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni.
He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital in a “fair” condition on Friday after a weeklong bout of bronchitis worsened. On Monday, medical personnel determined that he was suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, meaning a mix of viruses, bacteria and possibly other organisms had colonised his respiratory tract.
“The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon ... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy,” Bruni said.
Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, which is a deeper and far more serious infection of the lungs’ air sacs. Treatment varies by severity but can include providing oxygen through a nasal tube or mask, intravenous fluids – and treatment of the underlying cause of the infection.
It is not currently known is Francis is using supplemental oxygen.
The Vatican also said that he has eaten breakfast every day, read the newspapers and worked from his hospital room.
No indication was provided as to how much longer the pope is likely to remain hospitalised, other than that his treatment, which has already required two changes in his drug regiment, would rerquire an "adequate" stay in hospital.