St. Francis of Assisi is widely believed to have suffered from leprosy, specifically diagnosed by medical researchers as borderline or tuberculoid leprosy. This condition was considered the most likely cause of his fatal illness.
Understanding St. Francis' Ailment
Modern medical analysis, drawing upon extensive historical records, has provided significant insight into the health struggles of St. Francis. His final illness presented a complex array of symptoms that, when meticulously examined, strongly point towards a specific form of leprosy.
The diagnosis was based on two primary factors:
- Detailed Medical History: Accounts from his time provided comprehensive insights into his health over many years, including various physical afflictions he endured.
- Observable Signs and Symptoms: Descriptions of his final illness meticulously documented the physical manifestations and progression of his condition, which closely aligned with the known characteristics of borderline or tuberculoid leprosy.
This understanding of his illness offers a profound perspective on St. Francis' life, particularly his deep empathy and ministry towards those suffering from similar conditions, including the ostracized lepers of his era.
