Vatican Response
What is Pope Francis's current health condition and how is it being communicated?
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, which is particularly concerning given his age (88), weight gain, and other health issues. Initially, the Vatican reported bronchitis, only later revealing it was pneumonia. While the Vatican and those close to the Pope emphasize he is in 'good spirits' and able to speak, there appears to be inconsistent transparency about his true condition. A close confidant, a priest who often travels with the Pope, responded to negative press reports by asserting the Holy Father was indeed okay, though the Vatican's credibility regarding health updates remains questionable.
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ABC News
04:45 - 05:43
What is Pope Francis's current health condition?
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, an evolution from what was initially described as bronchitis. After spending four nights in the hospital, the Vatican released a detailed statement about his condition. Though this diagnosis is concerning for someone of his age and with his history of health issues, Vatican sources indicate they are treating the illness and have it under control. Despite his serious condition, the Pope remains engaged in his duties, even continuing his daily calls to the Holy Family parish in Gaza during his illness.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)ABC News
02:26 - 02:49
What health condition is Pope Francis currently suffering from?
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, which is affecting both of his lungs. This diagnosis follows an initial hospitalization for bronchitis, which was described as an inflammation of the lungs. The Vatican has released detailed information about the Pope's condition, moving from their initial brief updates to more comprehensive statements listing the therapies he's receiving and new medical discoveries. The Vatican has described the Pope's current situation as 'stationary,' indicating his condition is neither improving nor worsening at this time.
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ABC News
00:48 - 01:14
What is the current health condition of Pope Francis?
Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, meaning the infection has spread to both lungs. This is particularly concerning as the Pope previously had part of one lung removed when he was younger, making his current condition more serious than initially reported. The Vatican has released details confirming that what began as bronchitis has developed into a more severe condition, causing great concern not just among Catholics but worldwide. At 88 years old with a history of lung issues, the Pope's pneumonia represents a significant health challenge, though reports indicate he remains in good spirits despite the severity.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)ABC News
03:15 - 04:04
What has Pope Francis been diagnosed with, and what does the Vatican's statement reveal about his condition?
According to the Vatican's statement, Pope Francis has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia (pneumonia affecting both lungs) following a CT scan of his chest performed in the afternoon. The diagnosis came after he had already spent four nights in the hospital being treated for a respiratory illness. Despite this serious condition, the Vatican reports that the Pope remains in good spirits, although the situation is concerning. This development represents a significant health challenge for the pontiff, who has been dealing with ongoing respiratory issues that have now progressed to affect both of his lungs.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)ABC News
00:00 - 00:28
What is the current health condition of Pope Francis and why is it concerning?
Pope Francis, 88, is currently hospitalized with what Vatican officials describe as a 'complex clinical picture' involving multiple pathogens in his lungs. This respiratory infection is particularly concerning due to his advanced age, as medical experts note that whenever an 88-year-old man is hospitalized with a lung infection, it represents a serious cause for concern. The complexity of his condition is compounded by the presence of multiple pathogens rather than just one, making treatment more challenging. As a result, the Pope is missing important scheduled engagements, including a jubilee event with deacons and a mass that will now be conducted by an archbishop instead.
Watch clip answer (00:43m)
CBS News
01:26 - 02:10