Devotees pray for Pope Francis outside the Policlinico A. Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

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Antonio Masiello/Getty Images

The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis is being treated for “bilateral pneumonia” at a hospital in Rome.

“Clinical tests, including a chest X-ray, reveal a complex medical situation,” the Vatican reported. The pope is facing a “polymicrobial infection” that developed following a recent episode of bronchitis, complicating his recovery. The discovery of pneumonia from chest X-rays necessitates “additional medical treatment.”

The 88-year-old pontiff is described as being in “fair” condition; he has been eating breakfast, perusing newspapers, and even attending to some work from the hospital.

During his youth, Francis underwent surgery to remove part of a lung due to a pulmonary infection, which makes him susceptible to bronchitis during the colder months.

Due to his health status, several Vatican events have been canceled. The weekly general audience scheduled for Wednesday will not take place, and it remains uncertain if Francis will miss his Sunday blessing for the second consecutive week.

The Vatican press office stated that the Pope had “received the Eucharist and engaged in a mix of rest, prayer, and reading throughout the day.”