Another grim report on Pope's medical condition
February 20, 2013
Pope Benedict XVI has experienced dangerous spikes in his blood pressure and has been advised by his doctor to avoid air travel, according to a report by veteran Vatican journalist Marco Tosatti.
Tosatti said that the Pope’s medical condition shows “a progressive deterioration of his health and his energy” that explains the Pontiff’s decision to resign. The Italian journalist said that the Pope has suffered from insomnia, has almost completely lost vision in his left eye, and has fallen out of bed several times. Tosatti said that the Pope had been specifically advised by his doctor against making the overseas flight to Brazil for World Youth Day this summer.
Tosatti’s report, although it is unconfirmed, matches earlier statements by the German journalist Peter Seewald, who said that the Pope’s physical condition was alarming. Seewald had also said that the Pope was losing vision in one eye; the German reporter added that Benedict XVI has lost weight dramatically.
The Vatican has insisted that no particular medical condition prompted the Pope’s decision to resign. But the Holy Father himself cited a general decline in strength and energy as the reason for his decision.
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Further information:
- Pope was advised to limit air travel: report (AFP)
- 'Nearly blind' pope advised to limit air travel (Mail & Guardian)
- German journalist says Pope’s health deteriorating quickly (CWN, 2/18)
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Posted by: Contrary1995 -
Feb. 20, 2013 7:47 PM ET USA
I have no doubt that these reports are accurate. But, none of this invalidates Phil's excellent point about the Holy Father's lack of confidence in his collaborators. If he had been better served by them, the resignation drama would not have unfolded.
