Pope Francis has sustained an injury to his right arm after a fall at the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, according to a statement from the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff suffered bruising but fortunately escaped any fractures. Medics immobilized his arm as a precautionary measure.
The incident occurred on Thursday, prompting fresh discussions about the pope’s health. Since assuming leadership of the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church in 2013, Francis has faced various health challenges, including the need for a cane or wheelchair due to persistent knee and back pain.
Concerns were previously heightened following a separate fall in December, which left him with a visible bruise on his chin after he collided with a nightstand. In recent years, he has dealt with flu-related issues and underwent surgeries for diverticulitis in 2021 and a hernia repair in 2023.
Despite these health setbacks, Pope Francis has sought to reassure the public. In an autobiography released on Tuesday, he downplayed concerns about his well-being, affirming that he has no intention of resigning like his predecessor, Benedict XVI. “I am well,” he stated, while candidly acknowledging, “the reality is, quite simply, that I am old.”
He described his initial embarrassment at needing a wheelchair but emphasized the importance of accepting aging. “The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to maintaining an active role. “I do physiotherapy twice a week, I use a walking stick, do as many steps as I can, and I carry on.”
As the world watches, Pope Francis continues to navigate the challenges of leadership in the face of advancing age and health concerns.
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