On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 18th, the Holy See shared more details on the state of health of Pope Francis. According to the bulletin, the Pope was suffering from bilateral pneumonia and required additional treatment.
“The chest CT scan that the Holy Father underwent this afternoon, prescribed by the Vatican health team and the medical team of the ‘A. Gemelli’ Polyclinic Foundation, showed the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required additional drug therapy.”
The Holy See announced on Monday, February 17, that Francis had been diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection.
The Holy Father has been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since Friday, February 14, and is following medical orders to rest completely. The medical team accompanying the Pontiff has reported that he is breathing independently, without the use of any equipment.
As a result of his state of health with regard to his upcoming engagements, the appointments for Saturday, February 22 have been canceled. As for the Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, scheduled for Sunday, February 23, the Pope has delegated the celebration to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
Over the last few days the Holy Father has expressed his gratitude for the numerous tokens of affection he has received in the Hospital, especially from the child patients who have sent him letters, drawings and dedications.
According to the latest medical report issued this morning, February 21st, the night has been quiet for the Holy Father, who continues with his work, receiving only the visit of his closest collaborators.
Likewise, the only exception so far has been the visit of the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Georgia Meloni, on February 19, who conveyed to the Pope the wish of all Italian society for a speedy recovery for the Holy Father.
Let us pray together this traditional prayer of the Church for Pope Francis:
“O God, shepherd and guide of all the faithful, look kindly upon your servant, the Pope Francis, who rules your Church, and grant him, through your grace, wisdom and courage to fulfill the mission entrusted to him. Bless him in his words and deeds, protect him in his journeys and meetings with the faithful, and strengthen him in his faith and love for you and for all the members of the Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
