Pope Francis made his first public appearance in a wheelchair on Thursday. He has struggled with walking since he developed severe knee pain.
The Pope was wheeled to the podium by an assistant, who helped him out and into a regular chair. That happened in the auditorium of the Vatican, where the 85-year-old pope met several nuns.
The Pope has had to cancel several activities in recent weeks due to severe pain in his right knee. Before Thursday he could only walk 10 meters with the help of his assistants. It is not expected that cancellations will follow in the coming weeks: the wheelchair will become well established. Francis needs to spare his knee, including during his planned visits to Lebanon, South Sudan, Congo and Canada.
What causes the pain in the Pope’s knee is not entirely clear.
© AP
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