A First For A Catholic Jubilee -- Sacred 'Holy Door' Being Opened By A Pope In A Wheelchair.

From 'Vatican News'. Google for more (much more).

We have over the last few years (i.e., since July 2021) got so used to see Pope Francis in a wheelchair that we have kind of come to accept it as normal -- nothing unusual.

But, it appears it is!

Francis (now the SECOND OLDEST KNOWN Pope) is the FIRST pope known to have used a wheelchair in public.

Yes.

Yes, John Paul II was very frail during the last 5 years of his pontificate but he NEVER used a wheelchair. Check it out. I did.

Vain Benedict XVI used a fancy motorized Papal 'Platform' during the last few years of his papacy, but he never used a wheelchair in public (while pope). Yes, he was seen in one, many years later, AFTER his resignation -- when he was no longer pope.

So, that leaves Pope Francis.

Prior to 1978 infirm popes could hide their 'disability' from the public by using their official, taken for granted sedia gestatoria (i.e., carrying chair). But, Francis doesn't have access to one. Hence the wheelchair. The wheelchair he was using when opening the Holy Doors, on Christmas Eve, had some small, white wheels that indicated that it might be motorized.

But, just make a note. This was a FIRST.

😇