Pope Francis injured his right arm in a fall early Thursday at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican reported.
The 88-year-old pontiff sustained a contusion to his right forearm, which although not fractured, was immobilized in a sling as a precautionary measure:
“This morning, due to a fall at the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis suffered a contusion to his right forearm, without fracture. The arm was immobilized as a precautionary measure,” the Holy See Press Office stated.
The fall occurred in the morning before the pope’s scheduled audiences. Photographs released by Vatican Media show the Holy Father wearing a white sling while greeting visitors.
This incident marks the second time that Pope Francis has recently suffered a fall. On December 6, he reportedly hit his chin on a nightstand, resulting in a visible bruise the following day.
In recent years, Pope Francis has faced mobility challenges, including chronic knee issues that require the use of a wheelchair or cane. The pontiff also suffers from sciatica and has had a history of respiratory illnesses, having one lung partially removed as a young Jesuit priest.
Despite his recent injury and health issues, the Holy Father continued to maintain his full schedule of public appearances and private meetings for the day.
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