Pope Francis develops bilateral pneumonia, events canceled this week, Vatican says

ROME -- Pope Francis remained hospitalized on Tuesday as he continues to recover from a respiratory tract infection and now the "onset of bilateral pneumonia," the Vatican said.

"Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture," the Vatican press office said in a statement. "The polymicrobial infection, which arose on a picture of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and which required the use of cortisone antibiotic therapy, makes therapeutic treatment more complex."

A follow-up chest CT scan on Tuesday "demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," the Vatican said.

"Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," the Vatican said. "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 Vatican announced earlier Tuesday that the Jubilee Audience on Saturday has been canceled as the pope continues to recover in hospital.

"Due to the Holy Father's health condition, the Jubilee Audience on Saturday, Feb. 22, is canceled," the Vatican said Tuesday morning. "For the celebration of the Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of Deacons, scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m., in St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis has delegated H.E. Msgr. Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Issues of Evangelization in the World."

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Matteo Bruni, the director of the Vatican press room, told reporters on Sunday that the pope had his second consecutive restful night after being admitted to the hospital on Friday.

"Pope Francis had a tranquil night. He slept well, had breakfast and read a few papers, as usual," Bruni said.

The pope was admitted to a hospital on Friday for "necessary tests" and to continue his ongoing bronchitis treatment, the Vatican said.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported that "several sources" revealed the pope had arrived on Friday at Gemelli Hospital very fatigued due to difficulty in breathing related to an excess of phlegm, and that the treatment he was undergoing at home had not yielded the expected results.

"Pope Francis has been informed of the many messages of closeness and affection he has received and expresses his gratitude, as well as asking for continued prayers," the Vatican has said.