This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
Pope Francis, 84, has undergone surgery for an inflamed large colon, but his health record shows a history of overcoming various afflictions.
According to biographer Austen Ivereigh, Francis almost died at 21 after developing pleurisy, an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lung, and had part of one lung removed in October 1957.
Francis has also struggled with sciatica, a chronic nerve condition that causes back, hip, and leg pain, and has occasionally forced him to cancel official events.
He has dubbed sciatica "a troublesome guest" and has spoken about the condition in interviews, including one with renowned Argentinian journalist and doctor, Nelson Castro.
Francis has also talked about the surgical removal of cysts from the top lobe of his right lung and has said he made a complete recovery and never felt any limitation since then.
Despite his health challenges, Francis has remained active, receiving the coronavirus vaccine in January alongside his predecessor, ex-pope Benedict XVI.
As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis was treated by a Chinese acupuncturist for his back pain, and he has also suffered from an almost fatal gallstone infection and a brief issue with his heart in 2004.
Francis has been open about his health, including his struggles with anxiety, which he has dealt with by listening to Bach or sipping "mate," a popular Argentinean herbal drink.
He has also spoken about his daily routine, which includes going to bed at 9pm and reading for an hour before sleep, and waking at 4am every day.
Francis's Sunday operation was scheduled and performed under general anaesthetic to address symptomatic diverticular stenosis of the colon, a condition that causes potentially painful inflammation of the diverticulum, a pocket that can form on the colon walls.
Patients with diverticulitis may experience lower abdominal pain, fever, or rectal bleeding, and Francis underwent a left hemicolectomy, in which the descending colon is removed.
Spokesman Matteo Bruni said Francis is in good general condition, alert, and breathing spontaneously, and a stay of about seven days is expected, barring complications.
