Pope Francis has experienced a fall that resulted in an injury to his right arm, though no fractures were reported, as stated by the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff fell at Casa Santa Marta, his residence, on Thursday morning, suffering a contusion to his right forearm, which has been immobilized as a precaution.
Images shared by the Vatican depict the pope in a cloth sling while he continues to fulfill his official responsibilities. Despite the incident, Francis maintained a busy schedule, engaging in five meetings on Thursday, including discussions with Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund of Agricultural Development, and a group of priests from an Argentine college in Rome.
This fall follows a general audience on Wednesday, where he appeared cheerful, even playfully tossing a tennis ball to a dog during a circus act. Notably, this is the second fall for the pope in recent weeks; he previously sustained a bruise on his chin after hitting a bedside table during a nighttime fall in early December.
In recent years, Pope Francis has faced various health challenges, including the use of a wheelchair since 2022 due to knee pain and mobility issues.
In his autobiography, he reflected on his health, acknowledging the realities of aging while stating that he generally feels well. He described the initial embarrassment of using a wheelchair but emphasized the need to adapt to the changes that come with age.
He remarked that the Church is led by intellect and compassion rather than physical ability, and he continues to engage in physiotherapy and use a walking stick to maintain his mobility. Despite his health concerns, the pope has firmly ruled out resigning, expressing his dedication to leading the Church.