As of: March 7, 2024, 1:13 p.m
By: Lisa Mahnke
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Despite the flu, Pope Francis faces the public.
But his appearance is causing concern.
A previously unseen video is fueling speculation.
Vatican City – An appearance by Pope Francis continues to raise concerns about his health.
Despite still suffering from the flu, the pope appeared at this year's first outdoor general audience in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
He had only canceled appointments in February because he was ill.
But he doesn't seem to be cured yet.
The
video of the general audience published by
Vatican News gallantly skips over the bumpy moments.
However, a compilation published by the Italian news site
Oggi
shows Pope Francis not making it into his Popemobile at the end of the audience.
He was already taken to the mobile in a wheelchair and given help getting up.
When it became clear that the pontiff would not be able to get into the Popemobile, a wheelchair was flagged down.
In it, Francis was pushed toward the audience while the vehicle drove away without him.
Pope Francis cannot speak at general audience – Priest Giroli takes over
It also became clear during the catechesis that the Pope is still exhausted from the flu.
The priest Pierluigi Giroli gave the speech.
“Today’s catechesis is being read by a monsignor, one of my helpers, because I still have a cold and can’t read well,” the Pope apologized.
According to the
dpa
, the Argentine did not speak himself at some informal meetings.
Pope Francis in a wheelchair at the general audience on March 6th.
© ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP
Since taking office in 2013, the Pope's health has become increasingly difficult.
However, an explanation for the wheelchair could also be the Pope's knee problem.
He declined knee surgery due to complications from anesthesia during his intestinal surgery in 2021.
In recent years, the pontiff has struggled with respiratory illnesses on several occasions.
Pope Francis already had lung surgery when he was young.
(lismah)