Pope Francis hospitalized with pneumonia

Pope Francis prays during a general audience on Feb. 5.(Credit/Vatican Media)

By Deacon Scott Pearhill

ICR Editor

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, a Vatican statement re-ported that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The statement said the Holy Father’s latest test results reveal a "complex" medical condition.

The 88-year-old Pontiff had the upper lobe of his right lung removed as a young man and is prone to bouts of bronchitis in the winter, the Associated Press reported on Friday, Feb. 14. “He is in good spirits and is grateful for the prayers for his recovery," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Bruni explained, “The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon" demonstrated the "onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy.”

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican Press Office said. Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, which can develop in one or both lungs. When both lungs are affected, it is a more serious situation because there is less healthy lung tissue to compensate for the effects of respiratory illness.

At the time of reporting, there has been no indication that the Pope is using supplemental oxygen, and the Vatican Press Office has reported that the Holy Father has eaten breakfast every day, is reading the newspapers and has done some work from his hospital room.

The Feb. 18 online edition of the National Catholic Reporter reported that “Despite his ongoing hospitalization, the pope has continued his almost daily calls with the Catholic parish in Gaza that he has spoken with each night since Israel's war against Hamas began in 2023. According to its pastor, Pope Francis called as recently as Feb. 17. ‘He was tired but with a clear voice,’ said Father Gabriel Romanelli. ‘He asked how we were and thanked us with prayers, and gave us his blessing.’”

A rainbow appeared over Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 18, and Francis received get-well drawings and cards from children being treated in the hospital’s oncology ward, the Associated Press reported. Rome's Gemelli Hospital features a 10th-floor suite reserved for treating popes.

On Monday, Feb. 17, a Vatican Press Office statement said, “Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours; he especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalized at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”

Please join Bishop Peter Christensen in praying that Pope Francis returns to full health.

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd,

look kindly on Pope Francis,

your vicar on earth,

and grant him relief from his sufferings.

To this faithful guardian of your Church, send an angel to shield and protect him.

To this Priest who comforted

and anointed the sick,

now bring peace in his own time of trial. To this herald who has bravely proclaimed your Gospel,

give the consolation of your word.

Hear the prayers of those who trust in you, O Risen Lord and Savior,

who are seated at the right hand of the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer for Pope Francis.pdf

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