Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni Announces that Pope Francis' has Slowed Down Schedule due to Medical Check-ups

The Vatican has announced . “The Pope has slowed down his activities today because of medical checks that are necessary today,” Matteo Bruni, the director of the Vatican press office, on April 22, 2022.

On Holy Saturday, Pope Francis did not celebrate the Mass but only gave the homily due to his knee pain. At age 85, the Holy Father, has numerous health issues that require rest and care.

In an interview with the Argentine newspaper "La Nacion" (Thursday local time), Francis himself explained that his complaints were the result of a torn ligament. He would rather cool the knee than take excessive medication. This is because doctors had assured him that the problems would go away over time and that he was on the mend. 

On the trip to Malta in early April, the Pope described his health as "capricious". At times he couldn't walk at all. He hopes that things will go forward and not backwards. "But at my age you don't know how it will end. Let's hope it ends well."