Everything you need to know about Pope Francis, including his health concerns

The pope will undergo abdominal surgery

Stars Insider

07/06/23 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Religion

Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City since 2013. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, he is the first Jesuit pope and the first from the Americas. Francis is also the first pontiff from outside of Europe since the 8th century.

Themes that have come to define Francis' papacy include poverty, mercy, and joy. Indeed, throughout his public life the pontiff has been celebrated for his humility, commitment to interreligious dialogue, and a very real concern for the environment. The pope is seen as progressive and occasionally unconventional, and remains respected and revered by millions around the world.

So you can imagine the concern of his many followers with the latest news on his health. The Vatican has just shared that the 86-year-old will undergo abdominal surgery, likely the result of a 2021 surgery to remove half his colon. According to CNN, the procedure "is intended to repair a hernia that the Vatican said was causing 'recurrent, painful and worsening' symptoms." He's expected to remain in a Rome hospital for several days, and to make a full recovery. This news comes after the pope became ill in May with a fever, and was hospitalized for bronchitis in March. He's also struggled with knee issues, and could be seen over the last year using a cane or wheelchair.

CNN further expands:

"In addition to his colon surgery two years ago, Francis had part of one lung removed after a severe bout of pneumonia as a young man. More recently, in 2019, he underwent ocular surgery at Rome’s Clinic of Pius XI to treat a cataract. He has also struggled with chronic sciatica pain."

Interested to know more about this progressive pontiff? Click through and follow the papal life of Pope Francis.

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