Pope Francis spent a peaceful fifth night in the hospital and ate breakfast on Wednesday, according to the latest update from the Vatican on his health.
The 88-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with the onset of double pneumonia, a condition that complicates his treatment. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14.
Double pneumonia is a serious condition that can cause inflammation and scarring in both lungs, making breathing more difficult. The Vatican previously mentioned that the pope also has a polymicrobial infection, which involves the presence of two or more micro-organisms, and stated that he would remain in the hospital as long as needed to manage his “complex clinical situation.”
The pope has faced various health issues in recent years, including recurrent bouts of flu, sciatica nerve pain, and an abdominal hernia that required surgery in 2023. In his youth, he also developed pleurisy and had part of one lung removed.
All of the pope’s public engagements have been canceled through Sunday, and no further official events are listed on the Vatican’s calendar.
