Latest news about Pope Francis' health

Pope Francis has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, and yet still has maintained a busy schedule of meetings, Masses, and travel since 2020.

The Latest

Pope Francis at the general audience in St. Peter's Square on April 20, 2022.

Pope Francis’ agenda canceled for needed ‘medical checkups,’ Vatican says

Apr 22, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ agenda was cleared on Friday for needed medical checkups, a Vatican spokesperson said. The 85-year-old pontiff has been... Read more

Pope Francis speaks during an in-flight press conference from Malta, April 3, 2022.

Pope Francis addresses his health problems during in-flight press conference

Apr 3, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The pope was speaking at the end of his two-day visit to the Mediterranean country. Read more

Pope Francis’ general audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Feb. 23, 2022.

Pope Francis cancels Ash Wednesday Mass, trip to Florence due to knee pain

Feb 25, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Holy See press office said the pope was suffering from ‘acute gonalgia.’ Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience on Aug. 18, 2021.

Analysis: What's behind rumors that Pope Francis will resign?

Aug 30, 2021

By Andrea Gagliarducci

According to an Argentine priest who has known Pope Francis since his days in Buenos Aires, "there is only one... Read more

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican July 14 after 11 days in hospital following colon surgery.

Pope Francis returns to Vatican after colon surgery

Jul 14, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

After leaving hospital, Pope Francis stopped to pray at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read more

Pope Francis, pictured April 17, 2013. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Pope Francis says seeing a psychiatrist helped him with anxiety when he was younger

Feb 27, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has said that seeing a psychiatrist in Argentina helped him with anxiety when he was a younger priest... Read more