FEARS FOR THE HEALTH OF POPE FRANCIS, 78, AS HE STUMBLES FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE DAYS AND HAS TO BE HELPED UP STEPS TO AN ALTAR

Fears for health of Pope Francis, 78, as he stumbles for second time in three days and has to be helped up steps to an altar

The 78-year-old Pope was flanked by two officials to help him up the steps
He tripped during a service in the Basilica of St John Lateran, in Rome
The Pope also fell over on the steps of St Peter's Basilica on Saturday
The Vatican was forced to deny a report that the Pope has a brain tumour

By Imogen Calderwood For Mailonline

Published: 14:44 EST, 9 November 2015 | Updated: 16:15 EST, 9 November 2015

Pope Francis has sparked concerns for his health, after stumbling in public for the second time in three days.

The 78-year-old pontiff had to be helped up the steps to an alter at a basilica in Rome today by two church officials.

The officials took the Pope by both arms, flanking him, as he faltered on the way up the steps, during a service in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.

Public tumble: Footage shows the moment Pope Francis sparked concerns for his health today when he tripped over on the stairs in a basilica in Rome

The pontiff had to be flanked by two church officials during the Mass, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome (pictured), after he tripped on the steps leading up to the altar

The pontiff had to be flanked by two church officials during the Mass, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome (pictured), after he tripped on the steps leading up to the altar

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In footage taken of the service, the Pope can be seen approaching the steps confidently. But on the first step he falls backwards.

The two officials are quick to come to his aid, taking both of his elbows to help him continue up the steps.

Once he reaches the top, he places his hand over his chest.

He also tripped on the steps of St Peter's Basilica on Saturday, and was forced to stop his fall by throwing his hands out in front of him.

He was lucky to escape injury, with two aides helping him back to his feet after the dramatic fall.

The Vatican was forced to dismiss an Italian newspaper report last month, that the Pope was suffering from a benign brain tumour.

It insisted that the pontiff was in good health.

The Pope is missing part of one lung after suffering from a disease as a young man.
Health fears: He also tripped on the steps of St Peter's Basilica on Saturday, and was forced to stop his fall by throwing his hands out in front of him

Health fears: He also tripped on the steps of St Peter's Basilica on Saturday, and was forced to stop his fall by throwing his hands out in front of him
Denial: The Vatican was forced to deny a report that the Pope has a benign brain tumour last month, and he is also known to suffer some leg pain due to sciatica

Denial: The Vatican was forced to deny a report that the Pope has a benign brain tumour last month, and he is also known to suffer some leg pain due to sciatica

He is also known to suffer some leg pain due to sciatica, for which he undergoes regular therapy.

In September, the Pope suffered another slip-up while climbing a staircase to board a flight during a trip to the United States.

He quickly got back to his feet, without any assistance, and entered the plane without any further difficulty.

Francis has said he expects his papacy to be short, and ends every weekly Angelus address with an exhortation to the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to pray for him.


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