World

Pope Francis spotted with a bruise as he appoints new cardinals

The Vatican did not immediately explain the reason for the bruise on the pontiff’s chin.

Pope Francis watches on during a solemn mass where he made 21 new cardinals in St Peter’s Basilica at The Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP)
Pope Francis watches on during a solemn mass where he made 21 new cardinals in St Peter’s Basilica at The Vatican (Gregorio Borgia/AP) (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Pope Francis was seen with a significant bruise on his chin on Saturday, but presided over a ceremony to install new cardinals without apparent problems.

The Vatican did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the cause of the bruise.

The pontiff, who turns 88 later this month, appeared slightly fatigued, but carried on as normal with the scheduled ceremony to create 21 new cardinals in St Peter’s Basilica.

Francis has suffered several health problems in recent years and now uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain.

In 2017, while on a trip to Colombia, Francis sported a black eye after he hit his head on a support bar when his popemobile stopped short.