Pope Francis could not get into the Popemobile due to breathing and mobility problems

He Pope Francisco He again asked an assistant to read his comments. Breathing and movement problems They continued to take their toll on the 87-year-old pontiff.

Francis presided over his weekly public audience, held outdoors for the first time this year A cold St. Peter's Square. But as he had done in recent days, an assistant had him read his catechism.

“Dear brothers and sisters, I still have a cold and I can't read the Catechism very well. My assistant will read it,” Francis said before 6,000 faithful gathered in front of St. Peter's Basilica this Wednesday.

Last Wednesday, Francisco went to the hospital to undergo unspecified diagnostic tests, the results of which have not been made public. He has suffered relentlessly this winter from what he and the Vatican have said Colds, bronchitis and flu.

Late last year, Francis underwent a CT scan that ruled out pneumonia, but a severe bout of acute bronchitis forced the pope to cancel his Gulf trip.

Francisco is also affected A fracture in the knee and inflammation of his ligaments From 2022 they forced him to use a wheelchair. But he usually manages to get him on his feet with the help of a cane or walker and helpers.

However, on Wednesday, Francis was unable to climb the few steps to his popemobile at the end of his audience, even as he clung to the handle. The attendants quickly returned the wheelchair to him and he sat back down. He then waved to the crowd before leaving the square in a wheelchair.

The Argentine pope had part of a lung removed due to a respiratory infection at a young age and often speaks in a whisper even when he is ill. He had part of his colon removed in 2021, and last year he underwent surgery for an abdominal hernia and had intestinal scar tissue removed.

Anyway, Francisco has fulfilled all his planned promises this week. And the Vatican has confirmed its presence at all events of Holy Week, from March 24 to March 31, with the Resurrection Mass.

(With information from AP and EFE)