When the world looks at the Vatican, they aren’t just looking at a spiritual leader; they’re watching a 89-year-old man fight the inevitable clock of human biology. Lately, there has been an intense, almost obsessive focus on the cuerpo del papa Francisco. It’s not just idle gossip. For the 1.3 billion Catholics globally, the physical stamina of Jorge Mario Bergoglio is directly tied to the stability of the Church itself. If he can’t walk, can he lead? If he can’t breathe well, can he finish a grueling schedule of world travel?
The reality of his health is a mix of chronic issues dating back to his youth in Argentina and the standard wear-and-tear of nearly nine decades of life. People see him in a wheelchair and panic. They see him skip a homily and think the end is near. But the truth is more nuanced than the "Papal health crisis" headlines usually suggest.
The Physical Reality: What’s Actually Happening?
To understand the cuerpo del papa Francisco, you have to go back to 1957. He was only 21. He had a severe bout of pneumonia and three cysts. Because antibiotics weren't what they are today, surgeons had to remove the upper part of his right lung. He’s lived most of his life with one-and-a-bit lungs. Think about that for a second. Every time he breathes, he's working harder than the rest of us.
Then there’s the sciatica. This isn't just a "bad back." It’s a chronic nerve condition that has plagued him for years, causing a visible limp and, more recently, making it almost impossible for him to stand for long periods during Mass. This is why we see the wheelchair. It’s a tool, not a death sentence. He’s been very open about it, once joking to a group of Mexican seminarians that all he needs for his leg is "a little tequila."
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The 2021 and 2023 Surgeries
The most significant recent impacts on the cuerpo del papa Francisco came from two major abdominal surgeries. In July 2021, he underwent a scheduled surgery for diverticular stenosis. They removed about 33 centimeters of his colon. It was a serious procedure. He was under general anesthesia, which, as any doctor will tell you, is a massive strain on an elderly heart and brain.
Fast forward to June 2023. He was back at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for a laparotomy and abdominal wall plastic surgery with mesh. This was to repair an incisional hernia that was causing painful intestinal blockages. These aren't minor "tune-ups." These are "open him up" surgeries.
The Bronchitis and Respiratory Scares
Winter is always tough for him. In late 2023 and early 2024, the Pope had to cancel several engagements—including a trip to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai—due to "acute inflammation of the respiratory tract." Because of that missing lung tissue from his youth, a simple cold for Francisco isn't just a cold. It’s a potential respiratory emergency.
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He’s had to rely on aides to read his speeches. It’s a bit jarring to hear a younger priest deliver the Pope's words while the man himself sits there, appearing frail. But then, he’ll get up, get into the Popemobile, and spend two hours kissing babies in the heat. The resilience is honestly staggering. He seems to operate on a "burn the candle at both ends" philosophy that terrifies his medical team.
Who is looking after him?
The Vatican’s medical team is led by Massimiliano Strappetti, a nurse whom Francisco credited with "saving his life" during the 2021 surgery. It’s an interesting dynamic. He also has a personal physician, Dr. Roberto Bernabei, an expert in geriatrics. They are constantly balancing his desire to be "among the people" with the clinical reality that he needs rest.
- Diet: It's reported he's been told to lose weight to take pressure off his knees.
- Physical Therapy: He undergoes regular sessions for his knee and back.
- The Wheelchair: He resisted it for a long time but now uses it as a "necessary humility."
Managing the Public Image
The Vatican is famously opaque about health. It’s been that way for centuries. But Francisco has broken that mold a bit. He talks about his surgeries. He talks about his "diminished" strength. However, there is still a strategy at play. When the cuerpo del papa Francisco looks particularly weak, the Vatican press office often releases photos of him smiling, meeting with world leaders, or signing documents to prove he’s still "compos mentis"—sharp of mind, even if the body is lagging.
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There’s a lot of talk about resignation. Benedict XVI set the precedent, after all. Francisco has said he has already signed a letter of resignation to be used in case of "a medical impediment." He’s a realist. He knows his body is a vessel with an expiration date.
The Knee Problem: Why Surgery Was Avoided
You might wonder why he doesn't just get a knee replacement. It seems simple, right? But for the cuerpo del papa Francisco, surgery is a gamble. His doctors are wary of general anesthesia because of how he reacted to it during the colon surgery. He reportedly had "unpleasant" side effects that lasted for weeks. At 89, going under is a risk to his cognitive functions. So, he chooses the pain and the wheelchair over the risk of the operating table. It’s a trade-off. A conscious, painful choice.
Actionable Insights for Observing Papal Transitions
When you are following news about the cuerpo del papa Francisco, you have to learn to filter the noise. Don't look at the clickbait. Look at the official bulletins from the Holy See Press Office, but read between the lines.
- Watch the Voice: If his voice is strong and clear, the respiratory issues are under control. A raspy, struggling voice is a bigger red flag than the wheelchair.
- Monitor the Travel Schedule: If the Vatican announces a trip to a high-altitude or high-heat environment, it means the doctors believe his heart and lungs are stable for at least the next six months.
- Check for "General Anesthesia" in reports: This is the word that matters most. If he goes back to Gemelli for surgery, the type of anesthesia used will tell you everything you need to know about the level of risk.
- Note the Mental Agility: In his long-form interviews, like those with Associated Press or various Jesuit publications, look for his ability to recall specific dates and names. So far, despite the physical decline, his cognitive state remains remarkably high.
The story of the cuerpo del papa Francisco is ultimately a story of a man who refuses to let his physical limitations dictate his spiritual mission. He is leaning into the frailty. In a world that prizes youth and vigor, an aging Pope who isn't afraid to be seen as "broken" sends a very specific message about the value of the elderly. He is aging in public, and he's doing it with a stubbornness that is almost admirable. Expect more "scares," but don't count him out until the bells of St. Peter’s actually start tolling. Keep an eye on the official "Bollettino" of the Holy See for the most grounded updates.