“I do not like to speak about the health of the pope. It’s important to be discreet, not to run after rumors and fake news,” the French Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline said at a press conference today.

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.”

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

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.”

Cancellations announced by the Vatican suggest the pope will be hospitalized for several days.

The letter also stated that Francis disagrees with identifying the illegal status of migrants with criminality, and called on the bishops “to walk together” and defend the human dignity of the migrants in their country.