VATICAN CITY (AFP) – The Vatican announced that 87-year-old Pope Francis had been suffering from a “mild flu” for several days and was tested at a Rome hospital on Wednesday morning.
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“After the General Audience, Pope Francis went to the Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island for follow-up examinations before returning to the Vatican,” the Holy See announced in a statement.
AFP photographers observed the Argentine pope’s white Fiat 500 leaving the hospital in the center of the Italian capital under police escort at around 12:00 (11:00 GMT).
Jorge Bergoglio held his weekly public audience at the Vatican this morning, but did not read out his words.
The pope canceled appointments for Saturday and Monday but held Angelus prayers on Sunday.
Francisco, who uses a wheelchair, has experienced a series of health problems in recent years, particularly with his knees, hips and colon.
He also underwent abdominal surgery in June and canceled a trip to Dubai for COP28 in December due to bronchitis.
© 2024 AFP