Concerns about Pope Francis’ health have intensified as the frail 87-year-old is now reportedly “confined” to a wheelchair, just months after undergoing a CT scan.

New health concerns have arisen for Pope Francis after he was transported to Rome for a CT scan amid ongoing struggles with influenza. At 87 years old, the Pope’s health has become a subject of increased attention, particularly after his recent hospital visit, which Sydtomarket.net has learned was part of a series of health challenges he has faced in recent months.

Pope Francis underwent the CT scan at the Tiber Island hospital, following which he was able to return to Vatican City. This hospital visit follows a growing list of health issues that have plagued the pontiff, raising concerns among the faithful and observers alike. Two sources confirmed that the Pope had the scans on Wednesday, which added to the speculation about his well-being.

During his regular Wednesday audience, Pope Francis was noticeably absent from his usual role of delivering the reading. Instead, he arrived at the meeting in a wheelchair, signaling his recent difficulties in walking unassisted. His decision to delegate the reading to an aide marked a significant moment, as he addressed the gathering in a hoarse voice, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, I still have a bit of a cold.” He then allowed another to convey the message on envy and vainglory, two of the deadly sins. Despite his evident frailty, he managed to speak briefly at the end of the meeting, though he was frequently interrupted by a persistent cough as he issued his customary call for peace.

The Pope’s struggle with health issues did not end there. He also had to cancel several engagements that were scheduled for Saturday and Monday, which the Vatican attributed to a “mild flu.” This is not the first time Pope Francis has had to withdraw from public duties due to health reasons. In December 2023, he canceled a planned trip to the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, citing influenza and lung inflammation as the cause. Just a month later, in January, he was forced to cut short a speech due to what he described as “a touch of bronchitis.” Weeks later, he acknowledged he was still dealing with “aches and pains,” though he claimed to be feeling better overall.

These respiratory problems are not new for Pope Francis. His health struggles date back to his childhood in Argentina, where he had part of his lung removed. Despite these challenges, the Pope has continued to fulfill many of his duties, though the recent spate of health issues has led to growing concerns about his ability to continue at the current pace.

Even with these concerns, Pope Francis has shown remarkable resilience. Last week, despite undergoing CT scans, he embarked on what is set to be the longest journey of his papacy—a 12-day tour of several Asian countries, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. The journey will cover over 20,000 miles, a significant undertaking for anyone, let alone an 87-year-old with known health issues. When he arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Tuesday after a 13-hour flight from Rome, he was again seen in a wheelchair, underscoring his ongoing struggles with mobility. The Pope is also said to be still suffering from the aftereffects of a hernia surgery on his intestine performed in 2013, as well as chronic knee pain and sciatica.

After taking some time to recover from the long flight, Pope Francis is expected to engage in several important activities during his visit to Asia. One of the key events will be an interfaith meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, where the Pope will meet with representatives from the six religions officially recognized in the region. This meeting is expected to be a significant moment in promoting interfaith dialogue in one of the world’s most religiously diverse regions.

Additionally, Pope Francis is set to lead a mass at Jakarta’s main stadium, an event that is anticipated to draw a crowd of 60,000 people. Despite his recent health setbacks, the Pope’s schedule reflects his unwavering commitment to his papal duties and his desire to continue leading the Catholic Church through these challenging times.

As Pope Francis continues his demanding schedule, the global Catholic community watches closely, hoping for his recovery and the continued strength to carry out his mission. However, the recent health scares have undoubtedly raised questions about the future and how much longer the Pope can maintain such a rigorous pace.