A Legacy of Resilience: The Illnesses That Marked Pope Francis' Life
A life guided by faith and challenged by illness—until the very end.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known to the world as Pope Francis, will be remembered not only for his spiritual leadership and message of humility but also for the grace with which he faced serious health challenges. Over the course of his life, he endured several medical conditions that, together, tell a powerful story of physical and spiritual endurance.

At age 21, in Buenos Aires, he underwent a right upper lobectomy, the surgical removal of part of his lung, due to a severe respiratory infection complicated by cysts. Such infections are often caused by bacteria or mycobacteria, and surgery is required when there’s risk of complications. Though he lived decades with reduced lung capacity, he managed an active life in service of the Church.

In the 1980s, he suffered gallbladder gangrene with peritonitis, a life-threatening condition in which necrosis of the gallbladder leads to inflammation of the abdominal membrane. This is often caused by untreated gallstones or acute cholecystitis. Emergency surgery is essential, as untreated peritonitis can be fatal.

During his papacy, Pope Francis was diagnosed with diverticular stenosis of the colon, a narrowing of the large intestine caused by inflamed or scarred diverticula. Common in the elderly, it can cause abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding. He underwent surgery in 2021, though recovery was slow and closely monitored.

He also endured chronic sciatica and gonalgia (knee pain), both age-related conditions affecting nerves and joints. These mobility issues often required him to use a cane or wheelchair during public appearances in his later years.

In his final months, a bacterial bronchitis progressed into bilateral pneumonia, a severe infection in both lungs that compromises oxygen absorption, particularly dangerous in elderly patients with prior respiratory limitations. Despite receiving antibiotics and oxygen therapy, his weakened respiratory system could not recover. He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

Each of these conditions individually requires specialized medical attention; together, they formed a complex and fragile clinical picture. Yet Pope Francis remained an unwavering leader, committed to his spiritual mission. His medical journey stands as a testament to dignity in vulnerability and the strength of faith amid adversity.