Pope Francis has been diagnosed with the onset of bilateral pneumonia

Pope Francis, hospitalized with a lung infection, has been diagnosed with the onset of bilateral pneumonia. This was reported by Vatican News on February 18.

The press service of the Holy See reported that the pontiff is ill with bilateral pneumonia, but nevertheless "remains in good spirits."

It is specified that polymicrobial infection, which occurred against the background of bronchiectatic disease and asthmatic bronchitis and required the use of corticosteroids and antibiotics, complicates the therapeutic treatment.

"A repeat chest CT scan <...> revealed the onset of bilateral pneumonia requiring additional pharmacologic therapy. Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains in good spirits," the press release said.

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Earlier, on February 17, the Pope was left in the hospital due to a respiratory tract infection. It is noted that since ongoing tests have shown a complicated clinical picture, the pontiff requires appropriate treatment in the hospital.

On February 14, the press service of the Holy See reported on the hospitalization of the Pope. It was noted that in recent days the pontiff's bronchitis worsened. Tests showed Francis has an infection of the respiratory tract.