Pope Francis has been packing on the pounds since he was first elected the head of the Roman Catholic Church, and Vatican doctors are blaming his weight gain on too much of his favorite foods, which include pizza, spaghetti, and ravioli, as well as the pontiff’s lack of exercise.
According to reports, the pope’s doctors have informed Italian news agency Ansa that the Argentinian pontiff needs to adopt a more disciplined lifestyle. Pope Francis has been outspoken about his love for rich foods, Italian dishes, and desserts in the past. In fact, in the October 2014 publication of Buon Appetito, members of the Swiss Guard, who are soldiers of the Guard entrusted to protect the pontiff, revealed that some of his favorite dishes include empanadas, roast sirloin steak, dulche de leche, and various other Argentinian specialties.
The 78-year-old pontiff has been told to restrict his indulgences to twice a week. In addition to laying off the rich foods, Pope Francis has been advised to walk more often to lose weight and combat the stress of his job. This latest news heightens concern over Francis? health especially after being diagnosed with lower back issues (sciatica). Doctors feel his continued weight gain is likely aggravating the back pain. However, they feel more exercise and less sedentary activity should greatly benefit him.
Along with concerns for the pontiff’s health, there is also heightened speculation about Pope Francis’ tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. This speculation was made public last month when he confessed that he believed his time as pontiff ?will be brief.? Remarks made to Mexico’s Televisa included mention of Francis’ belief that his tenure will be brief. He speculated four or five years and noted that two years have already passed. Moreover, Francis expressed the feeling that the Lord had placed him in his position for a short time. However, he also stated it was a sense and left the possibility of change open.
As Pope Francis is told by doctors to alter his diet and adopt a more disciplined lifestyle following his weight gain, the pontiff also has been advised to exercise more often to lose weight and combat the stress of his job. In addition to concerns for the pontiff’s health, there is also heightened speculation about Pope Francis’ tenure as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in the wake of recent remarks.
