Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni visited the pope today. In an official statement, she said that the pope was “alert and responsive” and “has not lost his legendary sense of humor.”

Doctors say pneumonia in anyone can be serious, but for someone of the pope’s age, it’s potentially life-threatening.

“The conference suddenly finds itself unable to sustain its work to care for the thousands of refugees who were welcomed into our country and assigned to the care of the USCCB by the government after being granted legal status.”

Pope Francis has developed pneumonia in both lungs according to the medical report from his doctors this evening, Feb. 18.

The pope needs to prepare for his inevitable decline and death.

His clinical condition is “complex,” the Vatican said.

The pope also extended his greetings to the thousands of artists who had come to celebrate their Jubilee in Rome this weekend.

To facilitate his recovery, doctors have prescribed that he observe “total rest,” the Vatican press office announced.

The announcement came as Francis was in his bed in the Gemelli Hospital being treated for an infection of the respiratory tract. A Vatican spokesman said "the Holy Father passed a good night and slept well.”

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Simon Critchley, the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York, about his new book, 'Mysticism.'