Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Pope Francis falls in Poland, escapes injury

Pope Francis falls in Poland, escapes injury (AFP) 

What you need to know:

It is home to the legendary Black Madonna, an icon which Catholic faithful believe has miraculous qualities.


Czestochowa: (AFP) - Pope Francis fell Thursday after apparently stumbling down a step on an altar during a visit to Poland but quickly got back to his feet, seemingly without injury.

Polish media broadcast images of the 79-year-old Argentine pontiff stumbling, then falling down out of view before being helped to his feet by altar servers.

Francis appeared to be fine as he delivered a homily and said mass for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

The mishap took place as the pontiff visited the revered Jasna Gora monastery in Czestochowa, southern Poland.

It is home to the legendary Black Madonna, an icon which Catholic faithful believe has miraculous qualities.

The pontiff arrived in Krakow, southern Poland, on Thursday to headline the World Youth Day international Catholic extravaganza.