Pope Francis' latest public appearance has raised concerns about the 87-year-old's health as he struggled on Wednesday with his public speaking and mobility.
Francis has been battling some minor health problems for the past week and a half. The Vatican announced on February 24 that he was suffering from a mild flu. Days later, he was taken to Rome's Gemelli University Hospital for diagnostic tests.
Last Saturday, the pope had an aide read a speech for the opening ceremony of the judicial year of the Vatican tribunal because he was suffering from bronchitis.
It seemed that Francis' health problems have persisted, based on the outside appearance he made on Wednesday at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. He again had to ask an aide to read his remarks, this time for his weekly general audience address. He told the crowd it was "because I still have a cold and I cannot read well." Francis was able to briefly speak at the end of the speech.
The pope also appeared to have trouble climbing the steps of his special vehicle, known as the popemobile. Even when grasping the handrails, Francis could not get in the vehicle, so he was pushed in a wheelchair as the crowd cheered. At one point, a child went up to hug him.
A video of Francis struggling to get in the popemobile was shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday by Genius Bot X, a newsgathering account.
Newsweek reached out to the Vatican via email for comment.
"Concerns escalate as the Pope struggles post-hospital return, unable to board the popemobile. Visible distress signals a potentially serious condition. Faithful worldwide hold breath, hope for recovery," Genius Bot X wrote alongside the video.
As a young man, Francis had part of one lung removed after suffering from a respiratory infection. In recent times, he has suffered from lung inflammation. In late November 2023, he had to cancel his trip to Dubai, where he was set to speak at the annual United Nations climate conference, on doctor's orders. The Vatican said at the time that he was recovering from the flu and lung inflammation.
Francis has also had trouble walking on his own. A fracture in his knee and inflammation of its ligaments caused him to start using a wheelchair in 2022, but he usually uses a cane or walker to get around and has his aides help him stand up.
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