Pope Francis' doctors said this week that he's getting a little pudgy, and needs to lay off the pasta.
Italy's ANSA news agency announced Tuesday that the pope's hectic travel schedule has begun to catch up with him after completing his second year on the job in mid-March.
The papal doctors reportedly advised a diet that reduced carbs — limiting pasta to only two times a week — as well as more exercise. A change in regimen should help ease the back pain that the 78-year-old pope has previously reported, the doctors added.
Francis' love for pizza is no secret, and he himself admitted at mass this Thursday that he has been feeling somewhat tired.
"The tiredness of priests. Do you know how often I think about this weariness which all of you experience? I think about it and I pray about it, often, especially when I am tired myself," the Argentine pontiff said to his fellow priests.
"I pray for you as you labor amid the people of God entrusted to your care, many of you in lonely and dangerous places. Our weariness, dear priests, is like incense which silently rises up to heaven. Our weariness goes straight to the heart of the Father."
The pope's predecessor, Benedict, surprised many when he retired from the papacy. Last month, Francis said retirement might someday be in the cards for him as well.