Pope cancels audiences after 'light flu': Vatican

AFP , Saturday 25 Nov 2023

Pope Francis canceled his scheduled activities Saturday due to "light flu symptoms" a week ahead of a key climate address he is due to make in Dubai.

Pope Francis (R) receiving a gift from Cyprus  President Nikos Christodoulides (C-L) on the sideline
Pope Francis (R) receiving a gift from Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides (C-L) on the sidelines of their meeting in The Vatican. AFP

 

"The audiences of the Holy Father planned for this morning have been canceled as a result of light flu symptoms," the Vatican said in a brief statement.

Pope Francis is scheduled to make a much-anticipated speech at the UN climate summit in Dubai next Saturday where he is expected to criticize the inaction of many governments and urge them to intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Pope's health has declined in recent months, forcing him to use a wheelchair and feeding speculations about him stepping aside, as did his predecessor Benedict XVI.

After a colon operation in 2021, the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics was hospitalized twice in 2023, including for a stomach operation.

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