Vatican City -Pope Francis had part of a lung removed "many, many years ago", the Vatican said Thursday after the 76-year-old the historic election, adding that he still has enjoy good health.
Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told "I confirm that many, many years ago he had an operation that part of a lung was removed," reporters.
"This is not a handicap in his life," said Lombardi. "Those who know him have always seen him in good health."
As a boy, Jorge Mario Bergaglio suffered from pneumonia and had part of his right Lung removed in a painful operation from which it took him months to recover, according to Francesca Ambrogetti 2010 biography of Francis, "El Jesuita" (the Jesuits).
"I remember the time when I with a raging fever, hugged my mom and said: ' tell me what happens! ' They did not know what to say, because the doctors were amazed, "then said Buenos Aires Archbishop Bergaglio in the interviews.
When Francis was 22, he joined the Jesuits and hoped a missionary but was rejected because of his health.
"I wanted to do missionary work in Japan, but because of the serious health problem to drag around with me I was, I was not allowed," he said.
Francis--who walks with light slap--home is known for public transport and cycling.
He is particularly reserved about his health, said Ambroggeti.
Francis said he realized the spiritual meaning of pain when the nun who had prepared him for his first communion came to him in the hospital after his surgery Long.
"She said something a great impression on me and brought me great peace. They said: ' are you imitate Jesus '. "
"Pain is not a virtue in itself, but the way we live with it may virtuous. It makes us human "and helps us recognize Christ's humanity, he said.
According to La Nación Argentina last daily, Bergoglio in 2007 of an inflammation of the sciatic nerve which prevented him from travel to Rome to take part in a consistory convened by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. — Agence France Presse
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