ROME (AP) — Pope Francis suffered a fall on Thursday, resulting in a contusion to his right arm, the Vatican confirmed. This incident comes shortly after an earlier fall that led to a bruise on his chin. The Vatican clarified that while the Pope did not break his arm, a sling was applied as a precautionary measure.
On December 7, the pontiff accidentally hit his chin on a nightstand during another fall, causing a significant bruise to his face. At 88 years old, Pope Francis, who has faced various health issues such as recurring bronchitis, often relies on a wheelchair due to knee problems. Within his residence at the Santa Marta hotel, he utilizes a walker or cane to move around.
The Vatican disclosed that the recent fall occurred at the Santa Marta House, where the Pope resides, and subsequently, he was observed attending events with his right arm supported in a sling. A statement issued by the Vatican spokesman addressed the incident, stating, “This morning, due to a fall at Santa Marta House, Pope Francis suffered a contusion to his right forearm, without fracture. The arm was immobilized as a precautionary measure.”
Concerns regarding Pope Francis’ health persist within Vatican circles, particularly following the unprecedented resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2013. Benedict’s decision to step down was attributed by his aides to a fall he experienced during a visit to Mexico in 2012, which led him to conclude that he could not sustain the demanding travel requirements of the papacy.
Despite ongoing speculation, Pope Francis has affirmed that he has no intentions of resigning in the near future, even though Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation may have introduced the notion. In his recently published autobiography, “Hope,” Pope Francis asserted that he never contemplated stepping down, even during a period of significant intestinal surgery.
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