5th day in hospital: Vatican says Pope Francis has double pneumonia

Pope Francis, who was admitted to hospital last week, has developed pneumonia in both of his lungs, Vatican said in a statement adding that the 88-year-old was in "good spirits".

"The laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture", the Vatican said in a statement. 

Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday February 14, 2025 for bronchitis, but the Vatican on Monday said it was changing his treatment following tests. 

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

The pontiff had part of his right lung cut away when he was 21, after developing pleurisy that almost killed him. 

The Vatican had already cancelled a papal audience on Saturday February 22, 2025 and said he would not attend a mass on Sunday, although it has yet to announce plans for his weekly Angelus prayer.

“Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," it added. The pope spent his fifth day in hospital alternating rest with prayer and reading texts, the Vatican said.

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