Pope Francis, 88, has suffered a fall at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, injuring his right arm, though the Vatican has confirmed there are no broken bones.
A statement released by the Holy See described the incident, which occurred on Thursday morning, as resulting in a contusion to the pope’s right forearm, with his arm being immobilized as a precaution.
Despite the injury, the pontiff showed remarkable resilience. Photographs captured him wearing a cloth sling during a busy day of meetings, including discussions with Alvaro Lario, the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and a group of priests from an Argentine college in Rome.
This latest fall marks the second such incident in just a few weeks. Earlier in December, Pope Francis was seen with a noticeable bruise on his chin after tripping and hitting a bedside table during the night.
The pope, who has faced ongoing health challenges in recent years, including mobility issues that have required him to use a wheelchair, appeared in good spirits earlier this week, even engaging playfully with a dog during a circus performance at his general audience. In his autobiography, “Hope,” he candidly acknowledged the realities of aging, noting that while his body may be less cooperative, his commitment to leading the Church remains strong.
“The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs,” he reflected, emphasizing his continued dedication to his role despite the physical challenges of old age.