A small group of well-wishers gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Tuesday where Pope Francis was admitted after developing pneumonia in both his lungs. The Vatican said Francis developed pneumonia after new tests showed a further complication in the condition of the 88-year-old pope.

Rome's Gemelli hospital, where Pope Francis is being treated for bronchitis, is the favoured choice of pontiffs -- to the point of being dubbed "Vatican III" by John Paul II. It is the fourth visit to the Gemelli since 2021 for the 88-year-old Francis,

In a brief note to journalists Feb. 18, the Vatican said, "Due to the Holy Father's health condition," his appointments had been canceled through Feb. 22.