Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs as the Vatican has cancelled all public events.

This comes after the Pontiff had been suffering from a respiratory infection for over a week.

The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14.

A statement reads: "The laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture."

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"(A) chest CAT scan which the Holy Father received this afternoon ... showed the onset of bilaterial pneumonia that requires further pharmacological therapy."

"Nevertheless, Pope Francis remains in good spirits," the statement added.

Bilateral pneumonia is an infection affecting both lungs and can cause breathing difficulties.

The Pope is reportedly especially prone to lung infections, because he had part of his lung removed after developing pleurisy as a young adult.

However, a Vatican official said earlier today that the pontiff was breathing on his own and did not require a ventilator.

Ahead of the latest announcement, the Vatican has announced it was cancelling all public events through to Sunday.

The Pope was set to lead several events this weekend for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, which lasts until next January.

The Vatican is expecting around 32 million tourists to visit Rome during this period of pardon and forgiveness for Catholics