According to official reports, Pope Francis spent a quiet night following the newly diagnosed pneumonia. A Vatican spokesperson announced this early Wednesday. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church has been in a hospital in Rome since last Friday. Following the new diagnosis, concerns about Francis have increased.

In the evening, the Vatican announced that a CT scan had revealed the "onset of bilateral pneumonia." This means that both lungs are affected by the infection. This had not been mentioned before. Additionally, the statement said that the illness remains "complex." The Pope is reportedly suffering from an infection caused by multiple pathogens, complicating the overall treatment.

Pneumonia Dangerous in Old Age

Insiders reported that the Pope is not only lying down but also standing up and spending time in a chair. He does not require oxygen, and the condition of his heart is good. A new bulletin with current medical information will be released on Wednesday afternoon. On Wednesday, the Pope is also expected to receive his Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, at the Gemelli Hospital.

In elderly people, pneumonia is considered dangerous - also because there is a risk that other organs may be affected. Francis has been treated with cortisone for some time and now also with antibiotics. The head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics has also had respiratory issues in previous winters.

Complicating matters is the fact that as a young man in Argentina, Francis had the upper part of his right lung removed. He had to cancel his first appointments before Christmas. Several times, he lost his voice during engagements. He hardly left his residence in the Vatican, the Casa Santa Marta. After some hesitation, he went to the hospital last week on the advice of doctors.

TV Cameras Outside Hospital

According to a papal spokesperson, the fifth night in the hospital was also quiet. Francis, who is in a special ward on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital, then got up and had breakfast. This has been reported every morning since the weekend. Numerous camera crews and photographers have now gathered outside the clinic in the west of Rome.

In the Italian media, the health condition of the native Argentine - whose civil name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio - has been the number one topic for days. Initially, it was said that the Pope might return to the Vatican this Wednesday. However, there is no longer any talk of an imminent discharge. Cardinal Angelo Comastri told the broadcaster Rai about the Pontiff's condition: "Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord."

Mass for Sick Pope Francis

The Pope, meanwhile, received drawings from young patients of the clinic and letters from parents with prayers. "A greeting from the children of the pediatric oncology department," read a drawing signed 'Gabri', on which many colorful hands express the greeting to the Pope.

A mass was celebrated for the sick Pope on Wednesday in the chapel of the Gemelli Hospital. "May the Lord preserve Pope Francis, may He strengthen him in his office, so that he can, hopefully soon, but according to human time, continue to lead the Church with his wisdom and love," said Father Nunzio Currao, chaplain of the Gemelli Polyclinic. The Italian Bishops' Conference and several Austrian bishops also called on the faithful to pray for the sick Pope.

Francis has a private apartment in the Gemelli Clinic, which is permanently reserved for him. Security measures are high. The clinic apartment consists of several rooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a small private chapel. The clinic is located on the slopes of Monte Mario and, along with its park and church, covers over 37 hectares.

Only Pope Leo XIII Was Older

At 88 years old, Francis is now the second oldest Pope in history. As the successor of Pope Benedict XVI, he has been in office since March 2013. According to Vatican records, only Pope Leo XIII was older: the Italian died in 1903 at the age of 93. Francis' predecessor Benedict XVI lived to 95 but resigned nine years before his death.

Cardinal Schönborn: "Pope Needs Our Prayers More Than Ever"

In light of this serious health situation, several Austrian bishops have called on the faithful to pray for the 266th Bishop of Rome. Salzburg's Archbishop Franz Lackner emphasized on Tuesday on Bluesky: "He repeatedly asks for prayer – so let us pray for our Pope and wish him a speedy recovery." This was reported by the news agency Kathpress.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn also reminded on Wednesday on Bluesky and X that Pope Francis has "repeatedly and tirelessly" asked his visitors for prayers. "I am sure: many people have responded to this request. For the Pope, it is not a pious phrase. In these days, he needs our prayers more than ever. Let us pray together for him!" wrote the emeritus Archbishop of Vienna.

The Archdiocese of Vienna, currently led by Apostolic Administrator Josef Grünwidl, published a message on Instagram on Tuesday. It reminded of a phrase that has accompanied Francis' entire pontificate: "... e prego, non dimenticatevi di pregare per me! – Please do not forget to pray for me!" At the same time, the Archdiocese affirmed: "We comply with Pope Francis' request and pray for your speedy recovery."

(APA/Red)

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