Pope Francis has a hip ailment and this has been the cause of him sometimes limping during his recent visit to Cuba and the United States.
A Vatican spokesman said the Holy Father regularly gets physical therapy to address the problem.
The 78-year-old Pontiff has been observed walking slowly with faltering steps and getting help from accompanying priests when going up or down stairs.
“He has some problems in the movement of his legs. Some days are better than others,” Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi, SJ, said.