In addition to pneumonia in both lungs, Pope Francis has asthmatic bronchitis for which he is also being treated. For this condition, he has been prescribed a cortisone antibiotic. "Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture," said a Vatican spokesperson, per The Daily Mail.
Pope Francis is reportedly in good spirits and in stable condition. He was also hospitalized for pneumonia in 2023 and thus far has been in the hospital undergoing treatment for longer than that previous stay. There is not yet a timeline from the Vatican as to when the Holy Father will return to his normal duties.
He has a long history of respiratory issues, having undergone a partial lung removal when he was just 21-years-old. His drug regimen has changed a few times, the Vatican said. Recovery is made more challenging by his advanced age. Pope Francis is 88 years old.
"Despite the Pope's ill health, Vatican operations are expected to continue as normal but recent cancellations could impact the Vatican's big Holy Year. The Catholic celebration, which occurs every 25 years, encourages those who follow the religion to make the pilgrimage to Rome and participate in the Jubilee activities," The Daily Mail reports.
