At the age of 87, Pope Francis is preparing for his most extensive journey since becoming the head of the Catholic Church, aiming to silence skeptics questioning his ability to fulfill his role.
Starting next week, the 12-day trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore will cover 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32,000 kilometers, reported AFP.This demanding itinerary comes just three months before the Pope’s 88th birthday, after recent health issues had spurred speculation about his potential resignation.
The trip, initially planned for 2020 but postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will see Pope Francis embarking on his 45th trip abroad. The Vatican has been abuzz with concerns about his health, given his reduced participation in this year’s Easter events due to lingering flu and a prior cancellation of a trip to the United Nations climate talks in Dubai due to bronchitis. Furthermore, the Pope underwent hernia surgery in June 2023, which required a 10-day hospitalization.
Pope Francis’s busy schedule for this trip includes 16 speeches and numerous meetings and ceremonies across four countries. A senior Vatican diplomat explained to AFP the Pope’s resolve: “The pope still believes that we need to push a little further. He feels capable of making this trip this year. Next year, it will be less certain.”
Since 2022, Pope Francis has used a wheelchair for knee pain and recurring sciatica. He now uses an elevator to board his plane and sits during press conferences on return flights. Although he always travels with his personal doctor and a nurse, no new health precautions have been ordered for this trip, according to a Vatican source.
“His general condition is good, there were no concerns this summer,” the source shared. The Vatican has not disclosed specific health precautions or arrangements with local hospitals for the trip.
The Vatican official also highlighted that within the Vatican, the trip has aroused “admiration,” although there is also “concern, and even a certain annoyance at the pope’s relentlessness, which puts his health and security services on edge.”
Andrea Ungar, president of the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics, commented on the Pope’s determination and said “This trip demonstrates once again the pope’s strength of spirit and shows how, despite age, things can still be done.” “Strong motivation gives incredible energy,” Ungar added, emphasizing that the Pope is a “great example” for older adults to remain active. “The more you stand still, the more you stay still,” he said.
“It is a show of strength for Pope Francis,” said Italian academic Massimo Faggioli, who follows the papacy(authority of Pope) closely.
Less than two weeks after returning from this extensive journey, Pope Francis will embark on another four-day trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, starting on September 26. October will see the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will shape the future path and priorities of the global Catholic Church. Additionally, in December, Pope Francis will initiate the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long pilgrimage event expected to attract around 32 million faithful to Rome.
Starting next week, the 12-day trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore will cover 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32,000 kilometers, reported AFP.This demanding itinerary comes just three months before the Pope’s 88th birthday, after recent health issues had spurred speculation about his potential resignation.
The trip, initially planned for 2020 but postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will see Pope Francis embarking on his 45th trip abroad. The Vatican has been abuzz with concerns about his health, given his reduced participation in this year’s Easter events due to lingering flu and a prior cancellation of a trip to the United Nations climate talks in Dubai due to bronchitis. Furthermore, the Pope underwent hernia surgery in June 2023, which required a 10-day hospitalization.
Pope Francis’s busy schedule for this trip includes 16 speeches and numerous meetings and ceremonies across four countries. A senior Vatican diplomat explained to AFP the Pope’s resolve: “The pope still believes that we need to push a little further. He feels capable of making this trip this year. Next year, it will be less certain.”
Since 2022, Pope Francis has used a wheelchair for knee pain and recurring sciatica. He now uses an elevator to board his plane and sits during press conferences on return flights. Although he always travels with his personal doctor and a nurse, no new health precautions have been ordered for this trip, according to a Vatican source.
“His general condition is good, there were no concerns this summer,” the source shared. The Vatican has not disclosed specific health precautions or arrangements with local hospitals for the trip.
The Vatican official also highlighted that within the Vatican, the trip has aroused “admiration,” although there is also “concern, and even a certain annoyance at the pope’s relentlessness, which puts his health and security services on edge.”
Andrea Ungar, president of the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics, commented on the Pope’s determination and said “This trip demonstrates once again the pope’s strength of spirit and shows how, despite age, things can still be done.” “Strong motivation gives incredible energy,” Ungar added, emphasizing that the Pope is a “great example” for older adults to remain active. “The more you stand still, the more you stay still,” he said.
“It is a show of strength for Pope Francis,” said Italian academic Massimo Faggioli, who follows the papacy(authority of Pope) closely.
Less than two weeks after returning from this extensive journey, Pope Francis will embark on another four-day trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, starting on September 26. October will see the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will shape the future path and priorities of the global Catholic Church. Additionally, in December, Pope Francis will initiate the 2025 Jubilee, a year-long pilgrimage event expected to attract around 32 million faithful to Rome.
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