Pope has double pneumonia; condition remains 'complex'

By Vatican News

“Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture.”

In a message to journalists on Tuesday evening, the Holy See Press Office gave the latest update on the Pope’s health since he was hospitalized on Friday to receive treatment for bronchitis.

The statement added that the Pope's "polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”

“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the “A. Gemelli” Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy.”

“Nevertheless," the press release adds, "Pope Francis remains in good spirits.”

The Press Office statement concludes by noting that the Pope had "received the Eucharist and, throughout the day, alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue.”