What respiratory illness was Pope Francis hospitalized for in February 2025, weeks before his death?

In February 2025, weeks before his passing, Pope Francis was hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia, a severe respiratory infection affecting both lungs. He was initially admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14th after experiencing bronchitis for over a week and increasing difficulty speaking. Further tests, including a CT scan, confirmed the onset of this serious condition, which also involved a polymicrobial infection, meaning it was caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria.

Bilateral pneumonia, often referred to as "double pneumonia," is particularly dangerous for elderly individuals, especially those with pre-existing respiratory vulnerabilities. Pope Francis had a long history of lung issues, having had part of one lung removed as a young man due to a severe respiratory infection. This prior condition made him more susceptible to serious complications from respiratory illnesses like the one he faced in early 2025. His doctors noted that his clinical picture was complex, requiring intensive drug therapy, including cortisone and antibiotics.

Though Pope Francis was eventually discharged from the hospital on March 23, 2025, after a five-week stay, the battle with bilateral pneumonia marked a significant turning point in his health. While the Vatican later stated his cause of death on April 21, 2025, as a cerebral stroke, coma, and irreversible heart failure, the severe respiratory illness he endured undoubtedly contributed to his overall physical decline and vulnerability in the months leading up to his passing.