Mariana Capaccioli from Rome
Pope Francis cancels all events today due to flu
The Pope is suffering from the flu again and has suspended today’s activities.
Mariana Capaccioli reports from Rome:
The Holy See Press Service reported that “Pope Francis has canceled the audiences scheduled for today due to a mild case of influenza,” including one with a group of deacons from the Diocese of Rome.
The Vatican explained that the decision was taken as a precaution and that for now, the traditional Angelus prayer will be confirmed tomorrow at 12 noon, Sunday.
The health of the 87-year-old pope has attracted widespread attention. This is the third time he has suffered from influenza in the past four months.
On January 12, the Pope did not read out his prepared speech because he was suffering from bronchitis. He used the excuse that he could not speak well because he was too tired. “I’d like to read the whole speech, but I have a question. I have a little bit of bronchitis and can’t speak very well. If you’re not angry, I’ll give you the speech. Sorry, I’ll give you a copy. Because it makes me tired to talk,” he explained to the French correspondents present.
Francisco had already suffered from bronchitis again a month and a half ago in November 2023, when he was forced to suspend his trip to Dubai to attend the United Nations COP 28 climate change summit based on medical advice.
In addition, the Pope was hospitalized twice in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome last year. The first time was for 10 days due to severe pneumonia at the end of March, and the second time was for abdominal surgery in June.