"Pope is healthy and stable... Undergoing antibiotic treatment for lung inflammation"

The Vatican announced on the 27th (local time) that Pope Francis is receiving antibiotic treatment for lung inflammation and is currently in good and stable condition.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni explained in a statement that two days ago, the Pope underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan at Gemelli General Hospital in Rome, Italy, which revealed lung inflammation causing breathing difficulties, although it was not pneumonia. He added that the Pope is receiving antibiotic treatment to remove the lung inflammation.

Due to health issues, the Pope canceled all official schedules two days ago and presided over the Sunday Angelus prayer via video the day before. Instead of St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Pope met with the faithful remotely from his residence at the Casa Santa Marta. At that time, he appeared on screen with gauze on the back of his right hand where he had received an intravenous antibiotic injection.

Pope Francis is seen leading the Sunday Angelus prayer on the 26th (local time) at the Santa Marta residence, which is being broadcast live on the large screen at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Bruni said, "The Pope is currently in good and stable condition. He has no fever, and his breathing has definitely improved," but added, "Several important scheduled events in the coming days have been postponed to help the Pope's recovery." He also mentioned that the Pope will continue to perform tasks that are relatively less physically demanding.

Pope Francis is scheduled to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from the 1st to the 3rd of next month, becoming the first Pope ever to participate in the event.