Pope Francis Suffers Second Fall in Weeks, Injuring Arm

January 17, 2025 by No Comments

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis sustained a right forearm contusion in a fall Thursday morning at his residence, necessitating a sling for precautionary purposes. This is his second fall in recent weeks, following a December incident that resulted in a facial injury.

The latest fall is one of several recent health concerns for the Pope, including persistent knee problems and past surgeries. Despite these issues, he recently reiterated his continued well-being in a published autobiography, stating that the Church is governed by mind and spirit, not physical capabilities.

The fall occurred shortly after President Biden, unable to travel to Rome due to California wildfires, presented Pope Francis with the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom via telephone. Their conversation also focused on peace and global suffering.

A statement lauded Pope Francis as a beacon of faith, hope, and love, highlighting this as the first time the Medal of Freedom was awarded with distinction during President Biden’s term. President Biden’s bestowal mirrors a similar honor previously awarded to the Pope by President Obama.