VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has apologised for having to remain seated during an audience with cardinals yesterday due to his back pain, reported the Anadolu agency.
Doctors have advised the 84-year-old to eat less pasta and lose at least 1.8kg to relieve the stress on his back, as he has been diagnosed with sciatica, a painful nerve condition, according to The Sun.
Reports said the pope has been urged to eat only small bowls of rice at meals, and take plenty of fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish.
He is also advised to stop eating cake.
“If he sticks to the doctors’ advice, he’ll be fine, but he’s well known for his healthy appetite,” said sources in Rome quoted by The Sun.
The pontiff has apologised for remaining seated during the audience yesterday, as well as for skipping two masses, among his other public duties, due to sciatica.
Earlier, Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine under an immunisation campaign started by the Vatican this month. – Bernama, January 30, 2021
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