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According to the Vatican, Pope Francis is currently in stable condition, although he continues to experience inflammation in his lungs. The announcement was made in Portugal during the Pope’s visit to the XXXVII World Youth Day in Lisbon. During his visit, he had the opportunity to meet with university students from the Pontifical Catholic University.
In a communiqué released by the Vatican on Thursday, it was clarified that Pope Francis is not sick with a fever, but he is still dealing with lung inflammation and respiratory difficulties. Due to these health issues, the Pope had to postpone his planned trip to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
According to Reuters, during his weekly audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis, who is 86 years old, appeared to be visibly upset and did not speak. It is understood that his health condition is causing discomfort and affecting his ability to engage in public events.
To treat the infection, the Pope continues to receive antibiotic treatment. This is not the first time Pope Francis has experienced lung issues. In 2013, the Vatican announced that he had a portion of his lung removed due to a respiratory illness he had when he was younger.
Back when he was just 21 years old, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the current Pope, experienced a critical health situation where he was between life and death. He suffered from a high fever and was confused about his condition. Doctors had a difficult time diagnosing him, but eventually discovered that he had severe pneumonia and three cysts in his lungs. After receiving treatment and undergoing surgery to remove part of his right lung, the disease was controlled.
In recent months, Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlínica Gemelli in Rome, Italy, for three days to receive treatment for acute pneumonia. The Vatican announced his recovery following the treatment.
In recent years, Pope Francis has faced various health challenges. In 2022, he acquired a personal health assistant, a nurse, to provide constant care. He has been using a cane since May of that year due to right knee pain. The Pope was admitted to the Gemelli hospital for a colon surgery in 2021, and although the operation left him with complications, he decided not to undergo knee surgery.
It is known that the Pope suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain, which sometimes hinders his ability to attend certain official ceremonies. In a recent interview with Argentine doctor and journalist Nelson Castro, Pope Francis mentioned that he used Chinese acupuncture to alleviate coastal pain while he was in Argentina. He also revealed that he had gallbladder calculi and experienced a temporary cardiac problem in 2004 due to mild arterial stenosis.
Despite these health issues, Pope Francis remains dedicated to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church. He continues to advocate for important issues such as climate change, social justice, and global solidarity. The Vatican and his medical team are closely monitoring his condition and providing the necessary care to ensure his well-being.
