Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Sunday 22 December |
Saint of the Day: Bl. Jutta of Diessenberg
Aleteia logo
Church
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Pope trips on plane stairs as he departs Athens

Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 12/06/21

His time in Greece and Cyprus marked above all by call to respect human dignity, work for unity.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

Pope Francis concluded his five-day trip to Cyprus and Greece, departing around midday from Athens for Rome.

The Holy Father, who turns 85 later this month, seemed to be walking well during the trip, with his sciatica pain not causing as much of a limp as it sometimes has. Nevertheless, he did trip on his ascent to the plane, catching himself with his left hand.

There was a very brisk breeze at the airport, and his cassock was blowing around his legs. The pellegrina (the short cape-like piece around his shoulders) was at times blowing into his face, blocking his view. He stopped to pull it off his face as he climbed the stairs, and then nearly tripped; an aide quickly ascended the stairs to keep the pellegrina in place as the Holy Father took the last few steps and turned for a last wave.

His left fingers might have been slightly injured, but he did continue to use that hand as he entered the plane.

GREECE-VATICAN-RELIGION-POPE-AFP

Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.