Pope Francis’ planned trip to Lebanon next month has been postponed, as the 85-year-old Pope has difficulty walking, sources said on Monday.
In recent weeks, the Pope has suffered from sciatica, which has caused prolonged pain in his legs as well as severe pain in his right knee.
The 12-13 June trip was announced by the Lebanese government. The Vatican has never officially announced the trip, but the pope has referred to plans for it in recent interviews.
The two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to comment on the matter, said the pope’s health was their primary concern.
The Pope’s plan to travel from Lebanon to Jerusalem on 14 June to meet with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church had already been canceled due to the war in Ukraine.
One source said the trip to Lebanon will most likely take place later this year.
Francis will make two trips in July, one to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the other to Canada.
Last Thursday, he used a wheelchair in a public place for the first time and has used the equipment in both private and public hearings ever since.
He told an Italian newspaper last week that he had been given injections to help move his joints.
source: Noticias
