Concerns Grow as Pope Francis's Health Deteriorates

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Pope Francis, 88, has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, raising significant health concerns, according to reports from the Vatican. The pontiff is currently receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where worried believers have gathered to pray, sing, and light candles for his recovery.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that the Pope had a "calm night," woke up, and had breakfast on Wednesday, attempting to reassure the public amid rising anxieties about his condition. However, this statement echoes similar updates made over the past five days as the Pope remained hospitalized. Previously, Bruni had conveyed that the pontiff was in "good spirits," reading newspapers, and handling paperwork, despite the severe nature of his illness.

Notably, on Tuesday, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of a Canadian bishop implicated in a sexual abuse scandal, demonstrating his engagement with church matters despite his health issues. The Vatican reportedly aims to depict the Pope as capable of fulfilling his duties even while undergoing treatment, in light of increasing apprehensions regarding his well-being.

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