Pope Francis has cancelled his scheduled activities for Saturday due to “light flu symptoms” a week before a key climate address he is due to give in Dubai.
“The audiences of the Holy Father planned for this morning have been cancelled as a result of light flu symptoms,” the Vatican said in a brief statement.
The pope is scheduled to make a much anticipated speech at the UN Cop28 climate summit in Dubai next Saturday, where he is expected to criticise 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 speculation about him stepping aside, as did his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
After a colon operation in 2021, the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics has been treated in hospital twice in 2023, including a stomach operation.
Francis will turn 87 next month. When asked about his health in a recent interview he quipped in reply what has become his standard line: “Still alive, you know.”
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