Does the Pope Only Have One Lung?

He has one lung. The other was removed when he was a teenager because of an infection, it has been widely reported. He's the first pope to take the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi.

Can you live with one lung only?

Most people can get by with only one lung instead of two, if needed. Usually, one lung can provide enough oxygen and remove enough carbon dioxide, unless the other lung is damaged. During a pneumonectomy, the surgeon makes a cut (incision) on the side of your body.

What happens if you only have one lung?

Having one lung will still allow a person to live a relatively normal life. Having one lung might limit a person's physical abilities, however, such as their ability to exercise. That said, many athletes who lose the use of one lung may still train and be able to continue their sport.