“I have a torn ligament; I will have an operation with infiltrations and we will see… I’ve been like this for a long time; I can’t walk,” Francisco said in an interview.

The Pope has revealed in an interview to ‘Il Corriere della Sera’ that he has suffered “torn ligaments” in his right knee for “a long time” so he cannot walk, but he assures that he is treating this ailment with “infiltrations”, a technique that enhances and stimulates the biological repair of injuries.

“I have a torn ligament; I will have an operation with infiltrations and we will see… I’ve been like this for a long time; I can’t walk.” 

“There was a time when popes used to go with the gestatorial chair. It requires a little humiliation”, he details in the conversation published this Tuesday, May 3.

THE POPE AND HIS KNEE PROBLEM

Last Saturday in an audience with a group of faithful from Slovakia, the Pope apologized for having to give the blessing “sitting”. 

“I give you my blessing and then I will greet you from a seated position. This leg is not good, it does not work,” he said. 

Francisco, who will turn 86 in December and who is one of the oldest pontiffs, assured then: “The doctor told me not to walk and I like to go, but this time I have to obey the doctor.”

The condition of the Pope’s leg does not seem to improve and his medical team has recommended rest. The Pontiff has an injury to his right knee that prevents him from being on his feet for a long time and makes it difficult for him to walk, which became evident in the Holy Week celebrations. 

This has influenced his schedule to avoid unnecessary commuting and having to stand for too long. For example, he cannot preside over Mercy Sunday Mass.

Francisco had to clear his schedule two weeks ago to undergo a medical check-up and a few days ago he had to cancel his appointments due to health problems.

Image Credit: Getty

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