VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis again asked aides to read his remarks Wednesday, but he was unable to enter the papal limousine as breathing and mobility problems continued to affect him.
The 87-year-old pope holds weekly rallies in St. Peter’s Square and, despite the cold weather, held them outdoors for the first time this year. But as has happened in recent days, it was an assistant who read the catechism.
Last Wednesday, Francisco went to the hospital for unspecified diagnostic tests, the results of which have not yet been released. According to the Vatican and the pope himself, he has suffered from influenza and bronchitis in recent months.
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At the end of last year, Francisco was tested and pneumonia was ruled out, but he still had to cancel his trip to the Persian Gulf due to acute infectious bronchitis.
The pope also suffers from a fractured knee and inflamed ligaments, which will require him to use a wheelchair from 2022. But after an aide helps him stand, he’s usually able to move around a little with the help of a cane or walker.
On Wednesday, however, Francis seemed unable to climb into the papal car at the end of the audience or even hold on to the handles. His assistant quickly moved the wheelchair in front of him and the Pope sat down. He waved to the crowd before being led out of the square.
The Argentine pope, who had part of his lung removed due to a respiratory infection when he was young, often speaks softly even when he is not sick. In 2021, part of his colon was removed, and last year he underwent surgery to repair an abdominal hernia and remove scar tissue from his intestines.