Pope Francis cancels audiences after 'light flu symptoms': Vatican

Pope Francis cancelled his scheduled activities Saturday due to “light flu symptoms” a week ahead of a key climate address he will make in Dubai.

“The audiences of the Holy Father planned for this morning have been cancelled due to 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 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 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 has been hospitalised twice in 2023, including for a stomach operation.