Francis had experienced health issues recently. Recall that in March 2023, the pope spent several days at the Gemelli Hospital for treatment after being admitted for a respiratory ailment.
When Francis was younger, he developed pleurisy, an inflammation of the chest membranes typically brought on by an infection, which led to the removal of a portion of one lung.
Pope Francis did not have COVID, according to the Vatican at the time, but he had been complaining of breathing problems in the days before his hospitalization.
According to reports, tests at the hospital ruled out pneumonia and heart issues.
Pope Francis had stomach surgery in June of that year and spent nine days in a hospital bed.
