POPE Francis has triggered new health concerns after he was spotted with a huge bruise on his chin and a swollen neck, following months of medical worries.
The religious leader, 86, has been subject to widespread conversations about his health following a string of cancelled events due to these concerns.
These fresh worries sparked after the pope attended a ceremony on Saturday.
The leader of the Catholic Church presided over a Vatican event where new cardinals were installed.
Worrying pictures showed a purple and black coloured bruise near the pope’s chin and neck.
Despite the visible injury and signs of fatigue, Pope Francis continued to hold the event without any apparent problems.
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The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, installed 21 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican said this large bruise was the result of a minor fall where he hit his chin on his bedside table the previous morning.
Francis has sparked multiple concerns over his age and health in recent years and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back problems.
Tonight’s ceremony inducted new members into the group that will later choose Francis’ successor, if he dies or retires.
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All cardinals under the age of 80 would partake in the momentous ceremony.
Cardinals are the highest-ranking officials in the Catholic Church, beside the pope.
Tonight’s event was the largest number of churchmen raised to this higher rank in Francis’ 11-year-rule.
This is important as it demonstrates the current pope’s influence over his succsessor.
Francis has now installed around 80% of the cardinals that will pick the next leader of the church, meaning it is likely a progressive leader, like himself, could be next to lead.
MEDICAL FEARS
This has not been the first time panic has been stirred up around the pontiff’s health.
He has dealt with a long list of issues, even from a young age.
Francis had one of his lungs removed at age 21 after he developed pleurisy, an inflammation of the lungs.
He was rushed to hospital earlier this year after complaining about breathing difficulties.
Francis also had a three-hour operation in June to repair an abdominal hernia.
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The pope has also had to cancel visits to multiple events on doctor’s orders.
For example, Francis missed an outdoor Good Friday service in April this year, due to cold weather.
