VATICAN CITY — Lingering respiratory and mobility problems are continuing to take their toll on the Pope.
Pope Francis again asked an aide to read his remarks and was unable to get back onto his popemobile Wednesday, as lingering respiratory and mobility problems continued to take their toll on the 87-year-old pontiff.
Francis presided over his weekly general audience, held outside for the first time this year in a chilly St. Peter’s Square. But he had an aide read his catechism lesson, as he has done for the past several days.
Last Wednesday, Francis went to the hospital for unspecified diagnostic tests, the results of which have not been released. He has been suffering on and off this winter from what he and the Vatican have said was a cold, bouts of bronchitis and the flu.
Late last year, Francis underwent a CAT scan that ruled out pneumonia, but the pope was still forced to call off a trip to the Gulf because of a bad bout of acute, infectious bronchitis.
Francis has also been suffering from a fracture in the knee and inflammation of its ligaments that starting in 2022 pushed him to use a wheelchair. But he has usually managed to get around with a cane or walker and the help of aides to get him to a standing position.
On Wednesday, however, Francis appeared unable to climb up the few steps to board his popemobile at the end of his audience, even while grasping onto the handrails. Aides quickly brought back his wheelchair and he sat back down. He then greeted the crowd before being wheeled out of the piazza.
The Argentine pope had part of one lung removed as a young man because of a respiratory infection, and he often speaks in a whisper even when not sick. In 2021, he had a chunk of his colon removed and last year had surgery to repair an abdominal hernia and remove intestinal scar tissue.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, has been facing health concerns that are impacting his ability to climb steps due to respiratory and mobility issues. The 84-year-old pontiff has been seen struggling to walk and climb stairs in recent public appearances, raising concerns about his overall health and ability to carry out his duties.
Pope Francis has a history of respiratory problems, including a portion of his right lung being removed in his youth due to an infection. This has left him with reduced lung capacity, making it difficult for him to breathe properly and causing him to tire easily. In addition, the pope has also been seen limping and using a cane to assist with his mobility, indicating possible issues with his joints or muscles.
These health concerns have raised questions about Pope Francis’s ability to continue leading the Catholic Church effectively. Climbing stairs is a common part of his daily routine, as he often addresses crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica or walks up the steps of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. His struggles with mobility could limit his ability to travel and engage in public appearances, which are important aspects of his role as the spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.
Despite these challenges, Pope Francis has continued to fulfill his duties as pope, albeit with some adjustments. He has delegated some responsibilities to other members of the Vatican hierarchy and has taken steps to reduce his travel schedule to conserve his energy. However, the pope remains committed to his mission of promoting peace, justice, and compassion in the world, and has expressed his desire to continue serving as pope for as long as he is able.
The health concerns facing Pope Francis serve as a reminder of the physical toll that leadership can take on individuals, especially those in high-profile positions. It also highlights the importance of prioritizing self-care and seeking medical attention when needed, even for those who may feel invincible due to their status or position.
As Pope Francis navigates these health challenges, the world watches with concern and admiration for his resilience and dedication to his faith. His struggles serve as a reminder that even the most powerful and influential individuals are not immune to the limitations of the human body, and that compassion and understanding are essential qualities for all leaders to possess.
