Pope Francis said to be breathing on his own and resting well after bilateral pneumonia diagnosis

Rome — The Vatican said Wednesday that Pope Francis had spent a peaceful night in a Rome hospital — his fifth after being admitted with a bout of bronchitis that has developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Tuesday’s bilateral pneumonia diagnosis would be a worrying turn for any 88-year-old, but it is of particular concern for … Read more

Pope Francis has a “polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.” Here’s what that means.

Pope Francis has a complex infection in his respiratory system and will require more targeted drug treatment, according to Vatican authorities Monday. On Tuesday, he underwent a chest CT scan, which showed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring further drug therapy, the Vatican press office said. The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized since Friday at Rome’s … Read more

Pope Francis slept well as he continues recovery after hospitalization, Vatican says

Pope Francis slept well during a first night in the hospital after being admitted with a respiratory tract infection, the Vatican said Saturday. The 88-year-old pontiff ate breakfast Saturday morning and read the newspapers while continuing his drug therapy, spokesman Matteo Bruni said. The Argentine pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday after … Read more

Pope shares Christmas message, marking start of the 2025 Holy Year for Catholics worldwide

Pope Francis delivered a plea for peace in a world torn by conflict in his 2024 Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) address. It came as Christmas marked the start of the 2025 Holy Year celebration that is expected to bring some 32 million Catholic faithful to Rome. “I invite … Read more