Pope Francis has sustained an injury after a fall at the Vatican, sparking concern among his followers and the general public. The Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff suffered a contusion to his right arm, but fortunately, no broken bones were reported.

According to a statement from the Holy See press office, the incident occurred on Thursday morning in the Casa Santa Marta, the pope’s residence. As a precaution, his arm has been immobilized, and recent photographs show him wearing a sling while meeting with various officials.

Despite the fall, Pope Francis demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his responsibilities by conducting five meetings on the same day. These included discussions with Alvaro Lario, the President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, as well as engagements with Argentine priests studying in Rome.

Interestingly, just a day prior to his fall, Pope Francis appeared in high spirits during his weekly general audience, even playfully tossing a tennis ball to a dog during a circus performance.

This recent incident is the second fall the pope has experienced within a few weeks. Earlier in December, he was seen with a bruise on his chin after another fall, highlighting ongoing concerns about his health. Since 2022, he has been utilizing a wheelchair due to mobility issues stemming from knee pain. However, in his recently published autobiography titled "Hope," he asserts that he feels healthy and has no plans to resign, despite acknowledging the challenges of aging.

Francis candidly remarked on the embarrassment he initially felt about needing a wheelchair, stating, "Old age never arrives by itself, and it must be accepted for what it is." He further emphasized that governance of the Church involves the mind and spirit, rather than physical ability. The pontiff is actively maintaining his strength through physiotherapy sessions and utilizing a walking stick when necessary.

In a display of resilience and dedication, Pope Francis is set to appear on the Italian talk show "Che Tempo Che Fa" this Sunday at 07:30 CET on Nove, a channel owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, seeking to connect with his audience amid recent health challenges.

As the world watches closely, fans and followers alike wish the pope a swift recovery and continued strength in carrying out his monumental role in the Catholic Church. Keep an eye out for updates on his health and forthcoming engagements!