Pope, 87, on odyssey

Vatican concerned about his health just few weeks ago.

- Vatican City

POINT TO PROVE: NEXT TRIP INVOLVES 43 HOURS' FLYING AND 32 OOOKM

By embarking at age 87 on the farthest journey of his papacy, Pope Francis is doing something some believed impossible - and seeking to silence those who doubt his ability to fulfil his role.

The pontiff's 12-day trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore starting next week involves 43 hours of flight time and a distance of 32 000km.

It would be something of an odyssey for anyone, but particularly for someone who has been plagued in recent years by health issues, sparking speculation he might step down as head of the Catholic church.

The trip was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the Covid pandemic and now takes place three months before his 88th birthday.

Weeks ago, few observers thought Francis was capable of such a gruelling voyage, with the corridors of the Vatican buzzing with concerns over his health.

At Easter, the holiest week in the Christian calendar, Francis withdrew from several events, weakened by a lingering flu.

Months earlier, bronchitis caused him to cancel a trip to United Nations climate talks in Dubai in December.

In June 2023, he also underwent hernia surgery that left him hospitalised for 10 days.