India, Feb. 18 -- Vatican officials announced on Monday that Pope Francis is battling a complex respiratory tract infection and will require more specific medication.

The 88-year-old pope has been diagnosed with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, though no further details have been provided regarding the seriousness of his illness or any changes to his ongoing treatment, according to reports.

Here's what we know about the Pope's condition and treatment options:

In simple terms, a polymicrobial infection occurs when a mix of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are present in the lungs.

Dr Maor Sauler, an expert in adult pulmonary and critical care medicine at Yale University, cited in an Associated Press report, explained ...