Pope Francis, 88, continues to be hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, where on Tuesday doctors diagnosed him with bilateral pneumonia, which aggravates his already complex state of health. The new condition requires additional pharmacological treatment to the one he is already receiving for the polymicrobial infection that led to his admission.
A delicate clinical picture and reinforced treatment
According to the latest medical report issued by the Vatican, the computerized tomography to which the pontiff underwent showed the appearance of bilateral pneumonia, which has made it necessary to reinforce his treatment with new drugs.
“Polymicrobial infection, occurring in a context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, requires antibiotic therapy with cortisone, which makes treatment even more complex,” the official note explains.
Doctors have reiterated the need for Francis to maintain absolute rest, an indication that was given to him two days ago. However, the pope remains in good spirits, according to Vatican sources, and continues to receive signs of affection from inside and outside the hospital. In particular, the children admitted to the Gemelli oncology unit have sent him letters and drawings.
Cancellation of agenda and absence from upcoming events
Pending further medical evaluations, the Vatican has cancelled all the pope’s activities until Sunday. His presence at the Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons will be replaced by Cardinal Rino Fisichella, head of the dicastery for Evangelization.
It has not yet been determined whether Francis will be able to lead the Sunday Angelus prayer from the hospital, as on previous occasions, or whether he will send a written message, as he did last Sunday.
Accompanied by his secretaries and in touch with Gaza
During his convalescence, Francis is accompanied by his two personal secretaries, who bring him documents and diaries to keep him informed. Despite the recommendation of absolute rest, the pope has continued with some internal management tasks, although to a lesser extent.
Concern for his state of health is evident among his closest collaborators. The undersecretary of the Dicastery for Education and Culture, Antonio Spadaro, expressed his concern on Tuesday:
“The pope is locked in a hospital room and I think this is terrible for him, but it is really necessary. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
Despite his hospitalization, the pontiff has not stopped following closely the crisis in Gaza and, according to the priest Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family in the Strip, Francis once again communicated with the local Catholic community.
The pope’s clinical condition remains delicate, and everything indicates that his hospitalization will last longer than expected. In the meantime, the Vatican and those close to him are asking for prayers for his recovery.
