Pope Benedict XVI suffering from a degenerative joint disease
November 13, 2011 No Comments
November 13, 2011 | MariaNews.com
(Vatican City) – The Telegraph is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI is “suffering from a degenerative disease of the joints which has made it increasingly difficult for him to walk, ” according to Vatican insiders.
The condition may explain why Benedict XVI, who is 84, recently took to being wheeled down the central aisle of St Peter’s Basilica on a mobile platform.
He requested the use of the platform last month for a Mass, with aides pushing him towards the main altar, saving him from having to walk.
The arthrosis has affected his knees, hips and ankles, according to Andrea Tornielli, an Italian journalist with La Stampa newspaper who is considered one of the most authoritative Vatican observers.
Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, brushed aside the reports of arthrosis, saying that for his age the Pope was in generally good health.
“He is currently studying the possibility of going to Mexico and Cuba in the Spring, which I think is rather more important,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “His state of health is fine and he is able to carry out his duties.”
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