ROME – Pope Francis was forced to cut short his homily in a recent mass, due to difficulty in breathing, as he continues to battle his lingering bronchitis case.
“Now I apologize a little, and ask the master to continue reading, because I have difficulty breathing,” the 87-year-old pontiff said, before handing over the rest of his homily to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.
The Pope, who has faced recurring respiratory issues in recent months, was addressing a gathering of military personnel at St. Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces when he abruptly paused.
The audience responded with applause, in support of his decision to prioritize his health. Pope Francis has had a series of health challenges in recent years, including hospitalizations for respiratory infections and surgery for an abdominal hernia.
His bronchitis, which has persisted for weeks, has raised fresh concerns about his ability to carry out public engagements, though he has continued to fulfill many of his duties. (ANSA)