Pope Francis injures arm in second fall in six weeks

Pope Francis sustained a minor injury to his right forearm after he fell at his residence, the Vatican said Thursday. Despite the incident, the 88-year-old continued with his scheduled duties for the day. A statement from the Vatican clarified that the pope suffered a contusion on his right forearm, but X-rays revealed no fractures. As a precaution, his arm was immobilized with a simple cloth sling.

This marks the second fall of Pope Francis in six weeks, as per NBC. In December, he bruised his face after slipping while getting out of bed and hitting his chin on a bedside table.

The pope, who has been leading the Catholic Church since 2013, frequently uses a cane or wheelchair due to chronic knee and back pain. He has also faced various health challenges in recent years, including surgery in 2021 for diverticulitis and a hernia repair in 2023.

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Despite concerns about his health, Pope Francis remains resolute. In his recently published autobiography, he dismissed rumors of resignation, stating, “I am well. The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.”

(With inputs from Reuters, NBC)