Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in the hospital on Wednesday, reporting that he was alert, responsive, and in good spirits despite his pneumonia diagnosis and complicated bronchial infection. The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for six days.
Meloni conveyed well wishes from the Italian government and people. She stated that they shared jokes, highlighting the Pope’s continued sense of humor, according to a statement from her office.
Meloni’s visit was the first confirmed visit from an outsider since the Pope’s admission to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday. The Pope occupies a private suite on the 10th floor.
The Vatican reported that Francis, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, was mobile, eating, and had a restful night, following tests confirming pneumonia in both lungs alongside asthmatic bronchitis.
Francis’ vicar for Rome encouraged the faithful to dedicate an hour of silent prayer for the Pope before evening vespers. Pilgrims who had planned to attend his weekly general audience gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray after its cancellation.
“Many are disappointed, but more importantly, we must pray for his health,” commented Sister Charlene, a nun from Singapore.
Francis’ hospitalization followed a week of worsening bronchitis. Monday’s medical assessment revealed a polymicrobial respiratory infection—a combination of viruses, bacteria, and potentially other organisms affecting his respiratory tract. A Tuesday CT scan showed pneumonia in addition to the asthmatic bronchitis, currently treated with cortisone and antibiotics.
Bronchitis can lead to pneumonia, a more serious lung infection. Pneumonia affecting both lungs is more severe due to the lack of healthy lung tissue to compensate.
Treatment varies but may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and addressing the infection’s root cause. Currently, Francis is breathing independently, with good heart function. He has consistently eaten breakfast, left his bed, read newspapers, and worked from his hospital room.
“Pope Francis is strong and undeterred by challenges,” said Reverend Enzo Fortunato, head of a new Vatican committee on children. Francis’ adherence to his routine, including receiving communion, indicates his acceptance of illness.
The Vatican hasn’t detailed Francis’ response to medication beyond confirming the absence of a fever. The Argentine Pope, known for being a less-than-compliant patient, has several conditions increasing his risk of complications: age, limited physical activity (requiring a wheelchair), and consequent fluid buildup in his lungs.
Dr. Meredith McCormack, director of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University, noted that doctors will monitor Francis’ response to treatment, potentially including physiotherapy. Severe pneumonia typically requires one to two weeks of treatment, though recovery in older individuals may be longer.
“Lack of worsening is encouraging,” stated McCormack, who is not involved in Francis’ care.
The Vatican hasn’t specified the duration of Francis’ hospitalization, only stating that the complexity of his condition requires an adequate stay.
Despite his illness, Francis received well wishes, including drawings and cards from children in the hospital’s oncology ward. Holy Year pilgrimages continued at the Vatican, with groups passing through St. Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door.
“We’re happy to be here, but saddened by the Pope’s illness,” said Amparo Alcala’, leading a large pilgrim group from Valencia, Spain. “He does great things, especially for women in the church, bringing us joy. We pray for his recovery and return, God willing.”
A South Korean pilgrim group, intending to showcase their national dress at the general audience, visited despite its cancellation.
“Following the Lunar New Year, we wanted a formal bow before him,” explained Junhee Christina Kim from Seoul. “It was an opportunity we couldn’t miss, so we came in our traditional clothes.”