Pope Francis injures forearm after fall

The Vatican on Thursday said Pope Francis injured his right forearm after a fall in his residence but did not suffer any fractures.

“Due to a fall at the Santa Marta house, Pope Francis suffered a contusion on his right forearm, without fractures. The arm was immobilised as a precautionary measure,” a statement said.

The head of the Catholic Church also had surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis, and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

However, in an autobiography published on Tuesday, the Pope downplayed concerns about his health, ruling out resigning, as his predecessor Benedict XVI did.

“I am well. The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs,” he added.