Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14, to undergo testing and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican said.
The Vatican on Tuesday said tests earlier in the afternoon showed Pope Francis had developed “bilateral” or double pneumonia, leading doctors to prescribe additional treatment for the Holy Father.
“Laboratory tests, [a] chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” a statement from the Holy See Press Office said.
The pope underwent a chest CT scan on Tuesday afternoon, the Vatican said, with the results showing “the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy.”
The pope remains “in good spirits,” the Holy See noted.
“This morning he received the Eucharist, and throughout the day he alternated rest with prayer and reading texts. He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him,” the statement said.
The pope continues to postpone public appearances as his respiratory infection persists, with the Vatican announcing Tuesday the cancellation of Saturday’s jubilee audience and the delegation of Sunday’s special Mass.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, will celebrate the Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Holy See Press Office tells journalists Feb. 18.
Powerful prayer for quick recovery of Pope Francis
Heavenly Father, the Great Physician and our Source of Life, we come before You with humble hearts, lifting up Your servant, Pope Francis, in prayer. Lord, You have called him to shepherd Your people with wisdom, love, and humility. Now, in his time of need, we ask for Your divine healing touch to rest upon him.
Father, we pray that You strengthen his body, renew his spirit, and grant him a swift and complete recovery. Let Your healing power flow through every part of his being, restoring his health and vitality. Your Word declares in Jeremiah 30:17, “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” May this promise be fulfilled in the life of Pope Francis today.
Lord Jesus, You walked on this earth healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and raising the weary. We ask that You lay Your miraculous hands upon him now. Remove every affliction, pain, or weakness, and replace them with strength, peace, and comfort. Let his recovery be a testimony of Your boundless love and mercy.
Holy Spirit, be his source of peace in this time of illness. Fill his heart with faith and hope, removing all fear and anxiety. May he feel the warmth of Your presence surrounding him, reassuring him that he is never alone. Lord, give wisdom to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers attending to him, that they may be instruments of Your divine healing.
Father, as Pope Francis has dedicated his life to serving You and guiding Your Church, we ask that You restore him swiftly so he may continue his mission in good health. May his recovery be a sign of Your power, bringing encouragement to the faithful around the world.
We entrust him into Your loving hands, confident that You are the God who heals. We declare in faith that Pope Francis will rise stronger, filled with new strength to continue his work for Your glory.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.