Pope Francis in good spirits, require pharmacological treatment – Vatican

The Vatican has disclosed that Pope Francis remains in good condition following a chest CT scan carried out on Wednesday February 19, 2025.

“A follow-up chest CT scan, to which the Holy Father was subjected this afternoon … revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia, requiring additional pharmacological treatment,” the Holy See Press Office tweeted on X.

The Press Office had disclosed earlier on Tuesday that the Pope’s laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the clinical condition present a complex picture.

However, the Pope is said to be in good condition by Wednesday after receiving the Eucharist on Tuesday. “Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains in good Spirits,” the Press Office said.

Read also: Pope Francis in hospital for breathlessness – Vatican

It also disclosed that the Pope alternated between rest, prayer, and reading throughout the day. “He expresses his gratitude for the support he feels at this time and kindly asks that prayers for him continue.”

The Holy See Press Office has been updating the world on the Pope’s health since he was hospitalized on Friday to receive treatment for bronchitis.

In disclosing the Pope’s health condition as complex on Tuesday, the Press Office said, “polymicrobial infection, which has arisen in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and has required the use of corticosteroid and antibiotics, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex.”

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours; and wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalized at this time, “he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”

The Press Office had earlier on Monday confirmed that Pope Francis’ General Audience for the week had been cancelled.