It was only a couple of weeks ago that the pope was receiving his own personal delivery of pizza, but he's now been warned that he needs to stay away from Italian staples like pasta by Vatican doctors.
Francis has apparently gained weight over the past two years since becoming Pontiff, which doctors attribute to eating too much spaghetti and ravioli, and not enough exercise.
Medics told Italian news agency ANSA that the 78-year-old has lower back problems that are being aggravated by his sedentary lifestyle. Long meetings, incessant travel and no holidays mean Francis' schedule is packed, and leave little room for exercise.
Though he is said to be in generally good health, he recently revealed that he not expecting to be in his role for long. In an interview to mark the second anniversary of his election, Francis told Mexican broadcaster Televisa that he doesn't think he will live to be much older.
"I have the feeling that my Pontificate will be brief: four or five years; I do not know, even two or three. Two have already passed. It is a somewhat vague sensation," he said.
"Maybe it's like the psychology of the gambler who convinces himself he will lose so he won't be disappointed and if he wins, is happy. I do not know. But I feel that the Lord has placed me here for a short time, and nothing more... But it is a feeling."
He also revealed his penchant for Italian delicacies. When asked what he did and did not like about being pope, Francis admitted: "The only thing I would like is to go out one day, without being recognised, and go to a pizzeria for a pizza."
