“I thank you all,” the pope said at the opening of the Holy See’s Judicial Year. “I have prepared a speech, but I cannot read it because of bronchitis.”
he pope franciscoThe 87-year-old reported Saturday that he contracted bronchitis at an event at the Vatican and was forced to speak briefly and was unable to read his speech due to a cough.
According to Agence France-Presse, the Argentine pope said at the opening of the Holy See’s Judicial Year: “I thank you all. I have prepared a speech, but I cannot read it because of bronchitis.”
Last Wednesday, Francesco had to go to a Rome hospital for tests after contracting a mild flu. Although he held a public audience at the Vatican on Saturday morning, he was unable to read his own words.
The pope also canceled scheduled appointments last Saturday and Monday, although he led Angelus prayers on Sunday. On Saturday, he plans to meet with German head of government Olaf Scholz.
Francisco, who uses a wheelchair, has faced a series of health problems in recent years, including complications with his knees, hips and colon. He underwent abdominal surgery last June, and in December he had to cancel a trip to Dubai to attend COP28, the annual climate conference organized by the United Nations, due to bronchitis.