Pope Francis diagnosed with pneumonia due to worsening bronchitis

There is growing concern about the health of Pope Francis (89), who is hospitalized with a respiratory illness, after it was reported that he has also contracted pneumonia. The Pope has canceled all external engagements until the 23rd to focus on treatment.

The Holy See issued a statement on the 18th, confirming that "pneumonia has been diagnosed in both lungs of the Pope based on chest CT scan results" and that "additional medication treatment is necessary." This comes just one day after it was reported that the Pope was showing a "complex clinical situation" due to respiratory illness caused by multisystem infection. The Pope, who had been suffering from bronchitis for over a week, was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome on the 14th after his condition did not improve. This hospital is responsible for the hospitalization and treatment of past popes.

Through this treatment, the Pope is expected to record the longest hospitalization since his accession in March 2013. Previously, the Pope was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital for the first time after his accession in July 2021 and underwent surgery for colon stenosis. In March 2023, he was also hospitalized for three days for treatment of acute bronchitis.

The pope, who underwent surgery in his early twenties to remove part of his lung, has shown generally good health despite suffering from respiratory illnesses several times during the winter season. However, in recent years, he has been hospitalized more frequently. Previously, the pope was scheduled to lead the Holy Rosary at St. Peter's Square on the 16th but was unable to attend due to health deterioration, and his meeting with ordinary believers on the 19th was also canceled. This year marks the Holy Year (a sacred year of forgiveness of sins) that occurs every 25 years according to Catholic tradition. Numerous events are scheduled from the beginning of the year to commemorate this, but there are concerns that the pope may have to withdraw depending on his health condition.