Pope Francis, aged 88, experienced his second fall in two months, resulting in a bruised forearm, according to a statement from the Vatican on Thursday. The incident occurred at the Santa Marta residence within the Vatican, where the Pope resides. While he sustained a contusion on his right forearm, no fractures were reported. As a precaution, his arm was immobilized with a sling.

This marks the second recent fall for the Pope, following a December 2024 incident where he bruised his jaw after falling out of bed. Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced multiple health challenges in recent years. These include chronic knee and hip pain, bronchitis episodes, and reduced mobility, leading to his reliance on a wheelchair since 2022. Despite these issues, the Pope remains active, completing an extensive four-nation tour in September 2024, the longest of his papacy.

Additionally, excerpts from his forthcoming autobiography, Hope, reveal previously undisclosed threats during his 2021 trip to Iraq. According to Italian media, British intelligence warned the Vatican of potential assassination attempts. One involved a woman planning a suicide bombing during his visit to Mosul, while another threat involved a speeding van with similar intent. These revelations highlight the dangers faced by the pontiff during his travels.

The book, set to be released in January across 80 countries, provides further insight into Pope Francis’s life and challenges, underscoring his resilience amid personal and external adversities.