The pope speaks openly about his ongoing health battles in a recent interview with Il Corriere della Sera, offering a candid view of the physical limitations he has faced for weeks and the mindset he maintains amid adversity. He describes a long period during which he has been unable to walk unaided, signaling that the challenge is not a temporary setback but a sustained issue that has shaped his daily life and duties. In discussing his condition, he mentions a controversial but trusted method that some view with skepticism. He notes that peeling, a procedure intended to stimulate natural healing processes, is part of the approach used to manage injuries and promote recovery. The pope emphasizes that his medical team remains attentive, choosing treatments that balance relief with the imperative to preserve mobility for as much as possible given the circumstances.
There is a sense of humility in his remarks about the need for restraint. He explains that there may be moments when he must rely on assistance to move, and he acknowledges the limitations that come with his age and the duties of his office. The dialogue reveals a willingness to adapt, to accept practical realities, and to continue serving others from a position that may be less physically demanding at times. He recalls how, in earlier days, popes sometimes faced similar constraints and found ways to fulfill their responsibilities within those bounds. A calm acceptance accompanies the admission that movement has become more deliberate and measured, and he frames this as a test of endurance rather than a defeat.
In addressing his duties to the faithful, the pope describes how the act of blessing remains central to his mission even when performed from a seated posture. He explains that the act of blessing is not diminished by the need to stay seated, and it remains a meaningful exchange with those who come to witness the ceremony or seek a moment of connection. He notes that the leg is not performing as it should, yet his resolve to continue guiding and supporting people endures. The message conveyed is one of responsibility paired with transparency about health matters, underscoring that leadership in the church can proceed with care and deliberate pace.
The medical team continues to monitor the situation with a focus on rest and recovery. The pope has experienced an injury to the right knee that has affected his ability to stand for extended periods, a constraint that has influenced the planning of liturgies and public appearances during the Holy Week period and beyond. This has shaped his calendar, prompting adjustments to reduce unnecessary travel and prolonged standing. The narrative makes clear that part of governing with grace is managing physical limits while preserving the ceremonial and pastoral rhythm that defines his role. The emphasis remains on safeguarding health while maintaining access to the spiritual leadership that followers expect and need, especially during significant liturgical moments.
Recent adjustments to his schedule include pauses for medical review and moments of rest to ensure that recovery progresses safely. In spite of the interruptions, an intent to participate in key observances remains evident, with the understanding that the path to full restoration may require patience. The communicating thread through these disclosures is a steadfast commitment to duties and a sense of duty that outweighs the discomfort of the present moment. The pope’s words reflect a balance between humility before the body’s limits and a determination to continue guiding the community with compassion and steadiness.