Pope Francis' Health: Recent Concerns & Wheelchair Use Explained
Is the Popes declining health a sign of the times, or simply a testament to the realities of aging? Pope Francis recent struggles with mobility and respiratory issues have sparked global concern, raising questions about his ability to continue leading the Catholic Church.
Late last year, medical evaluations revealed a clean bill of health regarding pneumonia. However, the pontiff faced a setback with a severe bout of acute, infectious bronchitis, forcing him to cancel a planned trip to the Gulf. The Holy Fathers health woes, however, extend far beyond the respiratory tract. Since 2022, Pope Francis has been grappling with a painful knee fracture and inflammation of its ligaments, which has progressively limited his mobility. This has necessitated the use of a wheelchair, walker, or cane to navigate his surroundings.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936 (age 87) in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Appointed Archbishop of Buenos Aires | February 28, 1998 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Coat of Arms | |
| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (Having mercy, he chose him) |
| Current Health Concerns | Mobility issues due to knee pain (fracture and inflammation), respiratory problems (bronchitis), recent bruise on chin. |
| Public Appearances | Uses wheelchair, walker, or cane for mobility. Frequent appearances at general audiences and other events. |
| Notable Actions | Emphasis on social justice, environmentalism, and outreach to marginalized communities. Reform of Vatican finances. |
| Previous Health Issues | Colon surgery (July 2021) |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website - Pope Francis |
The visual of Pope Francis being assisted in a wheelchair, or using a cane, has become increasingly common. He was first seen using a wheelchair for mobility reasons, and this has become a regular feature during his public appearances. The recurring sight of the Pope using a wheelchair highlights the severity of his knee issues, which have significantly hampered his ability to walk and stand for extended periods. He was seen in a wheelchair during a public meeting on Thursday, marking the first such instance since his colon surgery in July 2021.
On May 5, 2022, the pontiff entered the Vaticans Paul VI Hall in a wheelchair to attend an audience. Similar scenes played out again on the same day at another event, underscoring the persistent challenges to his mobility. This wasn't an isolated incident; he has been observed using a wheelchair at various events, including a weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, with the assistance of aides. The Pope has also been seen greeting the faithful from his wheelchair, such as during the February 28, 2024 general audience at the Vatican, emphasizing his continued dedication to his duties despite the physical limitations.
These health concerns have even impacted his travel schedule. In May 2022, there was speculation that Pope Francis might postpone a planned visit to Lebanon due to health reasons, according to the Lebanese Minister of Tourism. The Pope's physical challenges have not only affected his ability to travel but also his ability to perform daily functions. The Popes frailty is a reminder of human vulnerability. This physical reliance on others, particularly the use of a wheelchair or cane, humanizes the Pope in the eyes of many.
The visible signs of the Pope's declining health have not been limited to his mobility. He has also been seen with a prominent bruise on his chin at a Vatican ceremony, adding to the concerns surrounding his physical well-being. The lingering respiratory and mobility problems are continuing to take their toll on the Pope. Francis presided over his weekly general audience on Wednesday, but had an aide at his side.
The use of the wheelchair in public appearances carries a deeper symbolism. As the wheelchair is presented to Pope Francis, it can represent the stories of countless survivors of war and the hope of those who have transformed their suffering into a force for good. The journey of a Mekong chair from Cambodia to the Vatican, for example, signifies the universal dignity of every human life. The Pope's embrace of this symbol further demonstrates his dedication to those who are suffering, both physically and emotionally, worldwide.
Pope Francis arrived in Canada on July 25 in a wheelchair, in order to deliver a speech apologizing to indigenous school survivors. He utilized a wheelchair upon his arrival to address the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General, at the Vatican on May 5, 2022. Two days after this, he appeared publicly in a wheelchair for the first time since his July surgery.
The challenges to his physical well-being have inevitably raised questions about his ability to fulfill the demanding role of the papacy. While the Holy Father continues to carry out his duties, the limitations imposed by his health have become increasingly apparent. The consistent use of a wheelchair, combined with other health issues, creates a very visible image of the challenges he is facing, the Church and the world at large.
