Pope Francis is currently facing pneumonia in both lungs, and his health situation has been described as “complex” by the Vatican.

The 88-year-old pontiff has battled a respiratory infection for over a week, leading to his admission to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital last Friday.

According to the Vatican, a follow-up chest CT scan conducted that afternoon revealed the development of bilateral pneumonia, prompting the necessity for further medication.

Additionally, laboratory tests, a chest X-ray, and ongoing assessments of the Pope’s condition indicate a “complex picture”.

Nevertheless, the Vatican has reported that the Pope remains in “good spirits,” spending his time reading, resting, and praying.

He has expressed appreciation for those sending their well-wishes and has requested that they “pray for him.”

Prior to his hospital stay last week, Pope Francis exhibited symptoms of bronchitis for several days and opted to delegate his speeches to officials at various events.

The Pope had been scheduled to lead various events over the weekend as part of the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which extends through January, but all public appearances on his agenda have been canceled until Sunday.

On Monday, it was reported that the Vatican doctors modified the Pope’s medication schedule for the second time during his hospitalization to address what was initially believed to be a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory system.”

Due to a history of lung issues, including pleurisy developed in adulthood and partial lung removal at age 21, the Pope is particularly susceptible to respiratory infections.

Over his 12-year tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the Argentine pontiff has required hospitalization several times, including a stay in March 2023 for bronchitis, during which he spent three nights in care.