Papal Health
What health challenges is Pope Francis facing during the Jubilee year?
Pope Francis, at 88 years old, is currently battling double pneumonia while facing a grueling schedule during this important Jubilee year. The Vatican has confirmed that the pontiff has pneumonia in both lungs, which developed after he was hospitalized with bronchitis last week, resulting in a complex medical condition with a poly microbial infection. Despite these serious health challenges, the Pope is reportedly in good spirits and continuing his religious duties through prayer and study. However, his condition will force him to miss significant Mass events during this demanding period, raising concerns as he heads into the Lent season, a particularly busy time in the Catholic calendar.
Watch clip answer (00:05m)
NBC News
02:48 - 02:53
How has Pope Francis's health condition affected his scheduled events?
Pope Francis's pneumonia diagnosis has led to significant disruptions in his schedule. He was originally supposed to preside at a Mass for the ordination of deacons this weekend - men who are not priests but read the Gospel during Mass. However, due to his deteriorating health condition, this event will not take place as planned. The Vatican has taken precautionary measures by canceling all of the 88-year-old pontiff's public events for the remainder of the week. This comes during an important time for the Catholic Church during the Jubilee year, raising concerns about the Pope's ability to participate in upcoming major celebrations as he continues to deal with pneumonia affecting both lungs.
Watch clip answer (00:19m)
NBC News
02:03 - 02:22
What health issues is Pope Francis currently experiencing and how are they being treated?
Pope Francis is suffering from double pneumonia, which has developed from a combination of pre-existing chronic lung conditions, bronchitis, and a poly microbial infection (caused by a mixture of germs). This serious health situation led to his hospitalization on Friday. To treat these conditions, doctors have prescribed corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and antibiotics to combat the infection. However, according to Ann Thompson's report, these treatments haven't been as effective as the medical team had hoped, suggesting the 88-year-old pontiff's condition remains serious despite Vatican assurances about his spirits.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)NBC News
00:33 - 01:06
What upcoming religious events is Pope Francis facing while dealing with pneumonia?
Pope Francis is facing a demanding schedule starting with the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on March 5th. This period includes six weeks of penance followed by Holy Week celebrations. These significant Catholic observances come at a challenging time for the 88-year-old pontiff who is currently battling double pneumonia during a Jubilee year. The Pope's health condition is particularly concerning given the grueling schedule of religious events ahead, making his recovery a matter of significance for the Vatican and Catholic followers worldwide.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)NBC News
02:37 - 02:53
What is currently happening with Pope Francis's health, and why is it concerning?
Pope Francis is currently battling pneumonia affecting both lungs, which has prompted serious health concerns. The Vice President of the United States has called for prayers, acknowledging the Pope's 'serious health issues' through a public tweet. These health complications are particularly concerning due to the timing, as major Catholic holidays approach during this Jubilee year. The Pope has canceled public appearances while the Vatican tries to balance transparency about his condition with maintaining a positive image, recognizing the challenges presented by his age and declining health.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)NBC News
01:37 - 01:49
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, presenting what doctors describe as a 'complex clinical picture.' The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for several days, though Vatican officials report he remains in good spirits despite his serious condition. Due to his health concerns, Pope Francis will be unable to attend several significant events this weekend, including what appears to be important religious ceremonies. This comes during a particularly busy period for the Catholic Church during the Jubilee year.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)NBC News
00:00 - 00:18