Pope Francis, wearing a sling on his right arm after a fall, poses for a photo with Edmond Brahimaj, right, leader of the Bektashi community of Muslim Sufis from Tirana, Albania, during a meeting at the Vatican Jan. 16, 2025. The Vatican said the pope injured his arm in a fall and while nothing was broken, the arm was immobilized as “a cautionary measure.” (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope Francis suffered a fall and injured his right arm, the Vatican announced on Jan. 16.
According to a brief statement, the 88-year-old pontiff fell at his Vatican residence. While he did not break it, the arm was immobilized as a cautionary measure.
The injury marks the second fall in just over a month. On Dec. 6, the pontiff fell and hit his chin on his bedside table, resulting in facial bruising.
In recent years, the pope has had limited mobility and often uses a wheelchair to get around. While a torn ligament in his knee has left him hobbled, he often still insists on entering rooms accompanied only by a cane.
The pope's fall comes at the start of an intense schedule of events for the Jubilee Year here in Rome, where over 30 million pilgrims are expected to visit the city.
To date, no changes have been announced to the pope's public schedule.
