Pope Francis Spends ‘Peaceful Night’ After Pneumonia Diagnosis

Pope Francis, who has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, spent a restful night and ate breakfast on Wednesday, according to a Vatican statement. Concerns over the 88-year-old pontiff’s health have grown as he continues treatment at Rome’s Policlinico A. Gemelli Hospital.

In a brief morning update, the Vatican stated that Francis “spent a peaceful night, woke up and had breakfast.” The pope was admitted to the hospital last Friday for bronchitis, but subsequent tests confirmed pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection, indicating the presence of multiple microbes in his respiratory tract. The Vatican said he is receiving cortisone antibiotic therapy.

Despite the complexity of his condition, Francis remains in “good spirits,” engaging in prayer, reading, and rest, according to a Vatican update on Tuesday evening.