Recognizing the impacts of aging and the physical constraints it imposes can be particularly challenging, especially for a head of state or religious leader. But that's exactly what Pope Francis did on Monday, September 4, on the plane back to Rome after visiting Mongolia.

When asked by the press about his future travel plans, the Pope brought up his physical abilities and how their limitation may impact the rest of his time in office. "To tell the truth, for me going on a journey now is not as easy as it was in the beginning. There are limitations in walking and that limits me," he said. The Argentinian pope has been suffering from knee pain since May 2022, forcing him to use a wheelchair. The man who has ventured across the globe, even visiting "peripheral" countries, half-heartedly admitted on Monday that he would be traveling very little at best.

Referring to his upcoming visit to Marseille for the Mediterranean Days on September 22 and 23, Francis hinted that he might also visit "a small European country." Rumors of a trip to Kosovo have been circulating in the Vatican for several months. But even this remains highly uncertain, as the Pope, who will turn 87 in December, seems quite tired. "We are seeing if we can do it," he explained.

There was no mention of trips, despite recently mentioning them himself, to India, Argentina, Indonesia or East Timor. He hinted that the few days spent in Mongolia with the local Catholic community and its dynamic bishop, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, would be his last in a distant country. If not his final trip abroad.

When asked about a visit to Vietnam, the Pope joked, "If I don't go, surely John XXIV will go," referring to his possible successor. For several months now, the health of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized twice, has raised questions. This admission, which gives the impression that the Pope is aware of his physical limitations, could reignite speculation about a potential resignation.

During his trip to Mongolia, where Chinese faithful were present at every stop, Pope Francis also addressed the issue of Catholics in China, who are under strict control by the regime. The previous day he called on them to be "good citizens." When asked about this statement, the Pope expressed that it was necessary to make China understand that Catholics were not engaged in a political endeavor, but solely a religious one. He explained, "I think we need to move forward in the religious aspect to understand each other better and so that Chinese citizens do not think that the Church does not accept their culture and values and that the Church is dependent on another, foreign power."

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