Even at 88, Pope Francis relentless dedication to his role has left many in awe and concern. Vatican insiders say his unwavering commitment to the Church, combined with a disciplined work ethic, pushed him to exhaustion, landing him in the hospital with pneumonia.

Pope Francis: A Schedule That Never Slows Down

Just days after the Vatican announced on February 6 that Francis would “limit activities” due to bronchitis, he hosted private meetings with nuns, pilgrims, and charity leaders. By February 9, he was outdoors celebrating Mass in Rome’s windy St. Peter’s Square. When gusts blew off his small white cap (zucchetto), he handed his speech to an aide, admitting, “I have trouble breathing.”

Three days later, he skipped speaking at his weekly audience but still greeted dozens of visitors. By February 14, he was hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Doctors later confirmed he’d suffered an “asthmatic respiratory crisis.”

Why Does He Push Himself So Hard?

Friends and colleagues say Francis’s drive stems from his Jesuit upbringing and a belief that the papacy demands total devotion. “He doesn’t hold back he’s enormously generous,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his physicians.

Since becoming pope at 76, Francis has operated on a “crazy” schedule: up before 5 a.m., nonstop meetings, and global trips like his 11-day Asia-Pacific tour last fall. “For him, it’s all or nothing,” explained biographer Austen Ivereigh. “His mission comes first, even over his health.”

A Lifetime of Discipline

Raised in strict Salesian schools and later joining the Jesuits, Francis learned early to prioritize duty over comfort. “He joined for the discipline,” said biographer Fabio Marchese Ragona. “Keeping commitments is in his DNA.”

Even health setbacks like sciatica, knee pain, or lung issues (he lost part of a lung as a teen)—rarely slow him. He’s stubborn testardo, laughed Dr. Nelson Castro, who wrote about papal health. Francis once joked he’s a difficult patient” who avoids doctors to make his own decisions.

Critics Urge Caution

Some worry his inner circle enables his pace. This hospitalization could’ve been avoided, said Vatican reporter Francesco Grana. A live pope is better than one who collapses fulfilling every commitment.

Others note his packed agenda exposes him to illness. Meeting hundreds daily risks infections, said infectious disease expert Massimo Andreoni. Slowing down might help.

Will He Finally Rest?

There are hints Francis might listen. During a hospital visit, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni shared his complaint: Doctors say I need rest, or I’ll ‘go straight to heaven. His medical team insists he’ll stay hospitalized until fully recovered knowing he’d dive back into work if released.

Yet those close to him say rest isn’t his style. As biographer Elisabetta Piqué noted, “He always says, ‘I’ll rest in the next world.