Pope Francis' Health: Medical Check-up and Hospitalization

Pope Francis's health is attracting great attention within the Catholic community and beyond. Due to his advanced age and recurring medical problems, each hospitalization or consultation becomes a subject of global interest.

How is he really doing? What treatments has he undergone recently? This article provides an update on his complete medical history and the implications of his recent hospitalizations.

Pope Francis's general health and known pathologies

A medical journey marked by recurring problems

Since his election in 2013 , Pope Francis has faced several challenges related to his physical condition . While his energy and commitment remain impressive, he has not been spared from certain health problems.

Here are the main pathologies known to the sovereign pontiff:

• Respiratory problems : Since childhood, he has lived with an ability reduced lung function due to an infection that required the removal of part of his lung.
• Joint pain : He suffers in particular from gonalgia, pain in his knees which makes it difficult for him to move around.
• Chronic sciatica : This nerve condition causes lower back pain and sometimes hinders movement.
• Hypertension and cardiac fatigue : Although no serious cardiac pathology has been confirmed, his cardiovascular condition is being closely monitored.

Physical difficulties and their impact on his commitments

Despite these medical conditions , Pope Francis continues to carry out his duties with great determination. However, certain restrictions are gradually being put in place:

1. Reduction of international travel , favoring shorter missions.
2. More frequent use of the wheelchair to preserve strength.
3. Lightening of the daily schedule , particularly with regard to long public hearings.

Vatican doctors: constant surveillance

The Pope receives rigorous medical care from a team of specialized Vatican doctors . His health is regularly assessed to prevent any major complications. If necessary, he is hospitalized at the Gemelli Polyclinic , the preferred facility for popes since John Paul II.

Recent hospitalizations of Pope Francis and medical interventions

Hospitalization in 2023 for a respiratory infection

In March 2023 , Pope Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic for a lung infection. Initially, the Vatican described it as simple routine checkups, but it turned out he was suffering from infectious bronchitis requiring intravenous antibiotics.

The highlights of this hospitalization:

• Three-day stay under medical supervision.
• Intensive antibiotic treatment to avoid any complications.
• Rapid recovery allowing a return to duty upon discharge.

An intervention for intestinal problems

In 2021, Pope Francis underwent colon surgery for diverticular stenosis, a common condition among the elderly. This procedure was aimed at preventing future digestive complications.

The operation lasted three hours and required a ten-day hospital stay . His recovery was gradual, but he quickly resumed his duties.

Current precautions and possible future hospitalizations

Given his general condition , Vatican medical experts remain vigilant:

• Regular medical examinations are scheduled to anticipate possible problems.
• Increased cardiac monitoring is in place due to his age.
• The possibility of other minor interventions is not excluded, although the Vatican remains discreet on these matters.

Consequences and management of Pope Francis' health by the Vatican

The impact of his health on his papal duties

Pope Francis's fragile health raises questions about the continuity of his pontificate. Several adjustments have already been put in place to allow him to continue his ministry:

1. Increased delegation of certain tasks within the Vatican.
2. Presiding over certain ceremonies from a wheelchair.
3. Reduction of apostolic journeys to limit fatigue.

Despite this, the Pope continues to display great spiritual strength and insists on his total commitment to his pastoral mission.

A possible resignation if his condition worsens?

The precedent of Pope Benedict XVI , who chose to resign from his office due to age and fatigue, opened the way to such a possibility. Pope Francis himself has mentioned this possibility on several occasions:

• He stated that he will not hold on to his position if his condition prevents him from fulfilling his mission properly.
• He made it clear, however, that he would not take this decision lightly , stressing that he is fully invested as long as he can be.
• So far, there has been no official announcement suggesting such a decision will be made in the short term.

The role of the College of Cardinals in the event of a vacancy in the papal seat

If a resignation or a sudden deterioration Should his health condition deteriorate, it is the College of Cardinals who would take over to organize the transition:

1. Calling a conclave to elect a successor if necessary.
2. Management of the day-to-day affairs of the Vatican in the absence of the Pope.
3. Possible establishment of a temporary regency according to the rules established by canon law.

Conclusion

Pope Francis's health is a major concern for the Catholic Church and for the millions of faithful who follow him around the world. Despite his advanced age and physical difficulties, he continues to exercise his ministry with devotion and courage.

His recent hospitalizations and adjustments to his daily routine demonstrate a desire to continue his mission while adapting to his physical limitations. Although the question of a possible resignation has been raised, the pontiff remains faithful to his commitment.

Time will tell how the Vatican will handle this delicate situation , but one thing is certain: Pope Francis remains an essential spiritual figure, whose influence extends far beyond the walls of the Holy See.