Pope Francis turns 88, becoming the third oldest pope still in office.
Only Pope Leo XIII, who reached the age of 93, and Pope Agathon, a 7th century pope who supposedly lived to be 102, are ahead of him. Pope Benedict XVI died at the age of 95, but had left office at 85.
Physically, Pope Francis moves around much more in a wheelchair, but in the last year, his mobility has not forced him to cancel many events. In fact, there are days when he has up to 9 official and public meetings.
On a mental level, what his doctor had indicated after Pope Francis’ abdominal hernia operation came true.
SERGIO ALFIERI
This man has the brain of a man of 60.
Pope Francis did encounter problems this past year during the first months, when respiratory problems forced him to delegate some homilies to collaborators. During Holy Week, for example, he did not give the homily on Palm Sunday. On Good Friday, he did not go to the Colosseum to preside over the Stations of the Cross.
The Pope has also shown great energy. In 2024, he made the longest trip of his pontificate. Just two days before his birthday, he made a day trip to Corsica, France, to take part in a popular religious gathering.
JRB
TR: GS
