Pope Francis has suffered from lung problems for decades, starting at age 21, when he had part of a lung removed due to a severe infection. He has had several long hospital stays in recent years, including abdominal surgery and severe pneumonia.
Last Easter, he appeared in poor health, but still greeted the faithful in St. Peter’s Square. In recent months, absences and cancellations on the agenda have increased speculation about a possible resignation, following in the footsteps of Pope Benedict XVI.
Pope Francis was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to ascend to the papal throne. With a free and humble style, he lived in a simple apartment and eschewed the luxuries of the apostolic palace.
He prioritized themes such as the protection of migrants, social justice, ecology, and interfaith dialogue, especially with Islam. He published the encyclical “Laudato si” (2015), a call to action on the climate crisis that was hailed globally.