Pope Francis battling double pneumonia

PanARMENIAN.Net - In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Pope Francis has been diagnosed with double pneumonia but assured that he "remains in good spirits."

"Laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture," the statement noted, according to Vatican News.

Providing an update on his health since his hospitalization on Friday for bronchitis treatment, the Vatican explained that the Pope is dealing with a "polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, making the therapeutic treatment more complex."

The statement further revealed that "a follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon—prescribed by the Vatican medical team and the medical staff of the 'A. Gemelli' Polyclinic Foundation—revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological therapy."

"Nevertheless," the statement emphasized, "Pope Francis remains in good spirits."

The update concluded by mentioning that throughout the day, the Pope "received the Eucharist and alternated between rest, prayer, and reading. He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue."