"Pope Francis Diagnosed with Pneumonia in Both Lungs... Mental State is Stable"

Suffered pleurisy in his youth and had part of his lung removed
Health concerns have emerged since 2021
Recently injured in two separate fall accidents

Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for five days due to a respiratory illness, has been diagnosed with pneumonia. On the 18th (local time), Yonhap News quoted a statement from the Vatican, saying, "Chest computed tomography (CT) results confirmed pneumonia in both lungs of the Pope, and additional medication treatment is necessary." Matteo Bruni, the Vatican press office director, stated, "Nevertheless, the Pope is maintaining a good mental state and is grateful for the prayers from the faithful for his recovery."

Pope Francis has generally maintained a steady demeanor during his approximately 12 years as pope, but concerns about his health have arisen since 2021. Having suffered severe pneumonia in his youth, which led to the removal of part of his lung, the pope has visited hospitals in recent years due to respiratory illnesses. Photo by AFP and Yonhap News

Pope Francis has generally appeared robust during his approximately 12 years in the papacy, but concerns about his health have arisen since 2021. Having suffered severe pneumonia in his youth, which led to the removal of part of his lung, the Pope has visited hospitals in recent years due to respiratory illnesses. He has often appeared in public using a wheelchair because of neuralgia near his knee.

At 88 years old this year, the elderly Pope is particularly prone to bronchitis and other respiratory diseases during winter, especially after having part of his lung removed in his youth. Concerns about Pope Francis's health have rapidly increased following a recent fall accident. In December last year, he attended the ceremony appointing 21 new cardinals with a bruise on his chin, and last month he injured his right arm. At that time, Matteo Bruni explained, "The Pope fell while getting up one morning the day before and bruised his chin by hitting the bedside table."

Believers from Bolivia are praying on the 18th (local time) in front of the statue of Pope John Paul II outside Agostino Gemelli University Policlinic in Rome, Italy, where Pope Francis is hospitalized. Photo by AFP·Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the Pope, who had been suffering from bronchitis since early this month, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on the 14th for examination and treatment. Until the day before, the Vatican only explained that the Pope's illness showed a complex clinical situation of 'multibacterial respiratory infection.' Due to hospitalization, the Pope was unable to lead the Angelus prayer at St. Peter's Square on the 16th and also canceled the general audience scheduled for the 19th. Following medical advice, the Pope has decided not to attend any external events until Sunday, the 23rd, and is currently receiving inpatient treatment.