Pope Francis resumed his public duties on September 25, 2024, leading the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. This appearance came just two days after the pontiff had cancelled meetings due to what Vatican officials described as a mild flu.
The 87-year-old spiritual leader, who has faced various health challenges in recent years, appeared to be in good spirits during the event. While he coughed lightly a few times during his address, Francis seemed otherwise well.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been at the helm of the Catholic Church since March 2013. As the 266th pope and the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, his papacy has been marked by significant milestones and reforms.
During the audience, the pontiff confirmed his plans to proceed with a scheduled visit to Luxembourg and Belgium, set to begin on September 26, 2024. This upcoming journey will mark his 46th foreign trip as pope, showcasing his commitment to global outreach despite health setbacks.
The Pope's resilience is particularly noteworthy considering his recent demanding 12-day, four-country tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, which concluded just two weeks prior. This extensive journey, covering approximately 33,000 kilometers, included over 40 events across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.
Francis' papacy has been characterized by his emphasis on social justice, environmental concerns, and interfaith dialogue. He has been a vocal advocate for action on climate change and has made significant efforts to improve relations with other faiths, particularly Islam.
Despite his active schedule, Pope Francis now regularly uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. Earlier in the year, he had to cancel several appointments due to various health issues, including what the Vatican described as a cold, bronchitis, and influenza.
The general audience began with Francis touring the crowd in an open-air popemobile, greeting attendees as a band played orchestral versions of popular songs. This approach aligns with his reputation for humility and accessibility, traits that have endeared him to many around the world.
In his address to the pilgrims, the pontiff focused on the dangers of temptation, including online pornography, which is forbidden by Catholic teaching. This message reflects Francis' willingness to address contemporary issues facing the faithful.
Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis has implemented various reforms, including changes to Vatican financial practices and efforts to address the issue of sexual abuse within the Church. His papacy has been marked by a more liberal stance on certain social issues compared to his predecessors, while maintaining core Catholic doctrines.
As Francis continues to lead the Catholic Church, his influence extends far beyond religious circles. With over 50 million followers across his various language accounts on Twitter and recognition as Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2013, his impact on global discourse remains significant.
"I ask for your prayers for the success of this visit to Luxembourg and Belgium."
The pontiff's ability to maintain an active schedule, including foreign travel and regular public appearances, demonstrates his dedication to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, even in the face of health challenges and advancing age.