By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Jan 17, 2025 / 08:00 am
Pope Francis is being treated for a contusion on his right forearm after falling at his residence, the latest of several recent health challenges for the 88-year-old pontiff.
The incident comes just weeks after he suffered a facial injury and battled a cold during the Christmas season.
Francis spent much of the past decade as pope in relatively good health but has dealt with several painful medical conditions over the last few years.
Here is a timeline charting Pope Francis’ recent health concerns:
December 2020
A bout of sciatic pain in the final days of 2020 keeps Pope Francis from presiding at the Vatican’s liturgies on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Francis has suffered from sciatica for a number of years; he spoke about it during an in-flight press conference returning from a trip to Brazil in July 2013.
“Sciatica is very painful, very painful! I don’t wish it on anyone,” he said about the condition, which starts in the lower back and can cause pain running down the back of the thigh and leg to the foot.
📹 VIDEO | Sound on! Listen to thousands of pilgrims encouraging Pope Francis as he makes a huge effort to stand up and walk at the end of the general audience. He is undergoing treatment for a torn ligament in his knee.
Hello and welcome to our blog! We want to share with you the latest updates about Pope Francis and his health journey. Through all the challenges he faces, he remains a strong and resilient leader.
In January 2021, Pope Francis had to cancel three public appearances due to sciatic nerve pain. Later in July 2021, a problem with his colon led him to undergo surgery to relieve stricture caused by diverticulitis. The surgery, a left hemicolectomy, was successful, but the pope had to spend 11 days in the hospital to recover.
Fast forward to January 2022, where Pope Francis revealed that he was dealing with knee problems. Despite the pain, he continued to fulfill his duties as the leader of the Catholic Church.
We stand in solidarity with Pope Francis and wish him a speedy recovery. Stay strong, dear Holy Father! You can follow his journey on Twitter.
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Francis’ Journey Towards Healing
At a recent general audience, Pope Francis shared with the crowd the reason why he has been unable to greet pilgrims as usual – a temporary “problem with my right leg,” specifically an inflamed knee ligament.
February 2022: A Time of Rest
As the month of February comes to a close, Pope Francis cancels two public events due to knee pain and doctors’ orders to rest. Despite needing help with stairs, he continues to walk and stand unassisted.
April 2022: A Trip to Malta
During a visit to Malta, a special lift is used to help Pope Francis disembark the papal plane. Additionally, a lift is installed at Malta’s Basilica of St. Paul so that Francis can visit the crypt grotto without having to climb stairs.
On his return flight, Pope Francis candidly tells journalists about his health struggles, particularly with his knee. This leads to changes in his participation in certain religious ceremonies, such as not lying prostrate before the altar on Good Friday.
Throughout April, Francis’ schedule is adjusted to allow for medical checkups and rest for his knee. Despite these challenges, he remains dedicated to his duties, even if it means staying seated during events.
Despite these physical limitations, Pope Francis continues to share his message of love and compassion with the world, showing that even in moments of weakness, there is strength to be found.
