A look at 88-year-old’s medical past
Pope Francis has a polymicrobial infection. Here’s what it is.
Pope Francis is being treated for a “polymicrobial infection.” Doctors say it is caused by multiple pathogens, including bacteria, fungi or parasites.
- Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized Feb. 14 for a respiratory infection and diagnosed with double pneumonia.
- The pope has a history of respiratory problems, having part of his lung removed in 1957 due to infection.
- Francis has also experienced other health issues in recent years, including sciatica and colon surgery in 2021.
Pope Francis remains hospitalized as the 88-year-old has been diagnosed with double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Tuesday. The pontiff has been susceptible to lung infections much of his life.
Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital on Friday, Feb. 14 for a respiratory infection. On Monday, the Vatican announced that doctors were treating Francis for a “polymicrobial infection,” which is caused by multiple pathogens and can lead to chronic and short-term diseases.
Double pneumonia, also known as bilateral pneumonia, is an infection that affects both lungs and can make breathing difficult. The Vatican has canceled the pope’s weekend engagements as he continues treatment.
Here’s a look back at Pope Francis’ medical history over the years.
1957: Portion of lung removed due to respiratory infection
In his early 20s, Pope Francis underwent surgery to remove part of his lungs affected by a severe respiratory infection in his native Argentina, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This has made the pope more susceptible to colds and respiratory illnesses.
December 2020: Notable sciatica pain
At the end of 2020, Pope Francis had to cancel his appearance at several end-of-year celebrations due to “painful sciatica,” Vatican News reported. In several videos that circulated online, Francis was seen struggling to stand with the help of assistants during public appearances.
Sciatica is a pain that moves along the sciatic nerve − starting in the lower back and extending down a leg.
January 2021: Continued sciatica
At the end of January 2021, Pope Francis once again cancelled a few appearances due to another bout of painful sciatica, according to the Holy See Press Office.
July 2021: Narrowing of the colon
In 2021, Pope Francis underwent surgery for a diverticular stenosis of the colon in which 13 inches of his colon was removed, per previous from Vatican News and USA TODAY. He spent 10 days at the Gemelli University Hospital for the procedure.
Colonic diverticulitis, according to the medical journal Cureus, is a common gastrointestinal disease. It occurs when the colon’s diverticulum, a small, pouch-like structure in the wall of the colon, becomes inflamed. Stenosis, a rare complication of colonic diverticulitis, can cause bowel obstruction and must be taken care of immediately.
Francis recovered soon after but shared at the start of 2023 that his diverticulitis had returned.
2022: Recurring knee pain
Throughout much of 2022, Pope Francis publicly companied of knee pain and was seen using a walker or wheelchair. A few times he had to cancel appearances, Vatican News reported.
2023: Bronchitis, abdominal surgery and the flu
Pope Francis visited the hospital several times throughout 2023.
In the spring of 2023, the pontiff spent three days at the Gemelli University Hospital with bronchitis, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. A few months later he returned to the hospital for follow-up tests.
In June 2023, Pope Francis was admitted back to the Gemelli University Hospital for abdominal surgery, according to Vatican News. The pontiff underwent a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery due to an incisional hernia. Through the procedure, the hernia was repaired and reinforced with mesh. Francis remained in the hospital for nine days.
In November 2023, the pontiff underwent a CT scan of his lungs due to flu-like symptoms, Vatican News reported. The tests showed negative results of any respiratory complications.
2024: Flu-like symptoms, bruised chin from fall
About a year ago, Pope Francis visited the Gemelli University Hospital to undergo diagnostic tests as a result of flu-like symptoms, according to Vatican News.
Then in early December 2024, Catholic News Agency reported that Francis had fallen, hitting his chin on his nightstand. The fall resulted in a large hematoma (localized collection of blood) on the lower ride side of his chin.
Contributing: Ella Lee, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
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