Two years ago, Pope Francis raised the question of stopping or, at least, reducing his travels around the world. He stated it was necessary to limit these efforts.
POPE FRANCIS
I don't think I can go with the same pace of the previous trips, you know? I think at my age and with this limitation, I have to save some energy in order to be able to serve the Church or, on the other hand, to think about the possibility of stepping down.
The Pope was 85 years old when he said this. Now, he is about to turn 88. And although it is true his health has not been the best in recent years, the Pope is still going strong.
His schedule says it all as he gears up for the longest trip of his pontificate to Southeast Asia and Oceania: four countries in less than two weeks. Seven flights. A time difference of up to 8 hours. More than 33 meetings and 16 official speeches.
A trip that, no matter how much energy the pope has, means a challenge for his health. First, due to his knee problems. He will spend a total of 44 hours on flights. The first flight from Rome will last 13 hours. There will be a lot of time on board a plane and he will most likely use his wheelchair for some meetings.
Although this seemed like it would restrict his schedule, the Pope continues with many daily meetings, visits throughout Italy and getaways outside the Vatican. His schedule does not reflect an 87-year-old who also suffers from respiratory problems.
In Asia, he will face high tropical temperatures with high humidity. In Papua New Guinea, for example, it could reach over 80%. And this could affect his lungs. Pope Francis has had a lobe removed from one of his lungs. Moreover, he has been hospitalized several times in recent years. In November 2023, he even cancelled his trip to Dubai.
Despite all this, the Vatican is not increasing the traditional arrangements for the Pope's health care during this trip. He will travel as usual with a doctor and two nurses. Upon his return, Pope Francis will have little time to recover. He already has another journey out of Italy planned: at the end of September he will go to Belgium and Luxembourg.
CA
TR: KG
