Papal Health
What is Pope Francis' current health situation?
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia affecting both lungs, as confirmed by the Vatican. The Pope is currently receiving treatment in the hospital, where he has spent five nights after being admitted last week due to breathing difficulties. Despite his condition, the Vatican reports that the Pope had a peaceful night in the hospital. His diagnosis coincided with the third anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine, creating a significant intersection of global events that has drawn international attention.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)
WION
01:20 - 01:49
What is Pope Francis's current health condition and why is it concerning?
Pope Francis is currently suffering from pneumonia, which has raised serious health concerns and forced him to miss key Vatican events during this Jubilee year. His condition is significant enough that the Vice President of the United States has publicly called for prayers, tweeting: "let's all say a prayer for Pope Francis who appears to have some serious health issues." The Pope's health situation is particularly concerning given the timing, as major Catholic holidays are approaching. His absence during this special Jubilee year of the Catholic Church adds further significance to his health struggles, making this a developing story of importance to the global Catholic community.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
NBC News
01:37 - 01:50
What is Pope Francis's current health condition and how is it affecting his schedule?
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, creating what doctors describe as a 'complex clinical picture.' Despite these serious health concerns, the Vatican reports that the 88-year-old pontiff remains in good spirits while receiving hospital treatment over the past few days. Due to his condition, Pope Francis will be unable to participate in significant events this weekend, including an important Mass on Sunday. This comes at a particularly meaningful time as the Catholic Church celebrates a Jubilee year.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)NBC News
00:00 - 00:20
What is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church and what events did Pope Francis miss due to his health?
Jubilee Years in the Catholic Church occur every 25 years and are significant celebrations that draw many pilgrims to Rome. These are important spiritual gatherings for Catholics worldwide. Due to his hospitalization for pneumonia, Pope Francis missed presiding at a Mass for the ordination of deacons during the current Jubilee Year. Deacons, while not priests, have the important role of reading the Gospel during Mass. This absence is particularly significant as Jubilee Years feature numerous important religious events that would typically be led by the Pope.
Watch clip answer (00:20m)NBC News
01:57 - 02:17
What concerns exist regarding Pope Francis's upcoming religious schedule due to his health condition?
Pope Francis's hospitalization with pneumonia in both lungs, alongside bronchitis and a polymicrobial infection, has raised concerns about his ability to fulfill his upcoming religious duties. His immediate schedule includes the Sunday Angelus prayer, which he has previously delivered from hospital when ill. More significantly, in two weeks the Catholic Church begins the important season of Lent with Ash Wednesday on March 5th, followed by six weeks of penance leading into Holy Week. Given the 88-year-old pontiff's health condition, questions remain about his capacity to preside over these major Catholic observances and the Jubilee celebrations.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)NBC News
02:22 - 02:46
What health issues is Pope Francis currently facing?
Pope Francis, at 88 years old, is currently suffering from double pneumonia, affecting both of his lungs. His condition is particularly concerning because he is already missing the upper lobe of his right lung from a previous chronic health issue. This combination of factors makes his current illness more complex and serious for someone of his advanced age. The Vatican has reported that despite these health challenges, the Pope remains in good spirits, though he will be missing several important events during this significant Jubilee year while he recovers.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)NBC News
01:26 - 01:36