I just read something I didn't know before. Four years after Galileo was sentenced to indefinite incarceration, he lost his eye sight. Due to general poor health and the blindness development, he petitioned the Church to be released from his sentence. They declined his request. He spent the rest of his life confined to his residence.
Galileo, in failing health for several years, loses his eyesight. He petitions the Inquisition to be freed for medical reasons. His request is denied but in March the Inquisition gives Galileo permission to attend religious services on holidays.
Link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/galileo/life.html