Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, and his clinical condition remains complicated, the Vatican announced, quoted by ANSA, BTA reports.
The Pope was hospitalized on Friday.
“A scan conducted this afternoon showed that the Holy Father has developed bilateral pneumonia, which requires additional medical treatment. Pope Francis, however, is in good spirits“, the official Vatican statement said.
This morning the Pope participated in communion, and during the day he alternated rest with prayer and reading. "He thanks the people for the closeness they are showing him at this moment and, with a heart overflowing with gratitude, asks us to continue praying for him," the Vatican added.
The pope is being treated at Rome's Gemelli hospital, initially being diagnosed with bronchitis, but later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection. All of the pope's engagements have been canceled until the end of the weekend.
This is the pope's fourth hospitalization in less than four years, raising questions about his ability to fulfill his duties as head of the Roman Catholic Church.