Cardinal: Pope’s wheelchair use an example to older adults

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A top Vatican cardinal says Pope Francis’ willingness to work despite knee pain that has made walking nearly impossible shows other older adults that they have wisdom and experience to offer younger generations. The cardinal made the assessment as he introduced Francis’ message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. In the message released Tuesday, the 85-year-old pope urged older people to consider advanced age a blessing. Francis is struggling to cope with strained ligaments in his right knee that have greatly limited his mobility. Last week, he was seen in public for the first time using a wheelchair. He recently said he must rest his knee on doctors’ orders and can’t walk.