During the induction ceremony of the new cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica, a bruise on the chin of Pope Francis caught the attention of the public. The incident raised concerns about his health, but the Vatican press office hastened to assure that nothing serious had happened.
According to the press service, the bruise was the result of a minor fall that happened in the morning of December 6. The pontiff accidentally bumped his chin on a bedside table in his residence. Despite this, the 87-year-old Pope Francis looked good during the celebrations and continued to perform his duties. The ceremony had a special significance for the Catholic Church: 21 new cardinals from 17 countries became part of the collegium that will elect the next Pope in the future. At the age of 87, Francis repeatedly faced health problems. Pain in his knees and back forced him to use a wheelchair at public events. Despite this, he continues to be active, remaining an important voice in world affairs. This month, on December 17, the Pope will celebrate his 88th birthday.
The pontiff, elected in 2013, is the first pope from Latin America. His ministry is marked by an emphasis on social justice, helping the poor and calling for peace. A special topic for Francis is the war in Ukraine. He condemns the violence and has repeatedly called for peace talks. Through the Catholic Church, humanitarian aid is provided to the victims, and the Pope himself advocates for the support of refugees.
Although attempts to establish dialogue between Russia and Ukraine have not always been successful, the Pope remains a key figure in calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
