The Vatican announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, affecting both lungs, but remains in good spirits.

Recent lab results and chest X-rays continue to show a complex medical picture, according to the Vatican.

A Vatican statement explained that a polymicrobial infection, stemming from pre-existing bronchiectasis and asmatiform bronchitis, complicates treatment and necessitates antibiotic and cortisone therapy.

The statement further clarified that a CT scan revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional medication. 

The 88-year-old pontiff, the statement added, was in good spirits and received communion earlier that morning.

Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital last week for treatment following a week of illness. Bronchitis can precede pneumonia, a more severe lung infection.

On Monday, medical staff confirmed a polymicrobial infection, meaning a combination of viruses, bacteria, and potentially other organisms, had infected his respiratory tract.

The pope has a history of health challenges, including a partial lung removal at age 21 due to pleurisy. 

In recent years, he’s faced various health issues, including surgeries in 2021 and 2023, and persistent knee problems necessitating wheelchair use.

Vatican News reported that Francis slept well Monday night. The Holy See Press Office announced Tuesday that he would not lead Sunday’s Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons.

“For the Jubilee of Deacons Mass on Sunday, February 23, at 9:00 AM in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis has delegated Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Questions of Evangelization in the World,” the Holy See press office stated.

Officials said Francis was moved by the outpouring of support, including well wishes, drawings, and cards from children in the hospital’s pediatric unit.

The Vatican hasn’t specified the duration of Francis’s hospitalization. Despite his illness, he maintained a demanding schedule, even disregarding medical advice to stay indoors during Rome’s cold winter, attending an outdoor Jubilee Mass on February 9th despite breathing difficulties.

Digital’s Rachel Wolf and