Calay News
Pope Francis, who canceled his trip to the COP28 in Dubai due to bronchitis, is “improving,” the Vatican announced on Saturday.
“The pope has no fever and continues with the appropriate therapy,” clarified the Holy See in a statement.
The 86-year-old Argentine pontiff will, however, forgo leading the Angelus from the window of the apostolic palace in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, to “avoid exposure to temperature changes.”
Similar to last Sunday, he will pray the Angelus from his private residence. The prayer will be broadcast on screens placed in St. Peter’s Square, according to the Vatican.
On Wednesday, the pope presided over his weekly audience with difficulty breathing and fatigue, asking an assistant to read the text on his behalf.
Francis, who underwent partial lung removal in his youth, had to cancel his anticipated visit to Dubai for the United Nations climate conference.
The Vatican’s number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, traveled to Dubai instead of the pope and delivered his speech on Saturday, calling on COP participants for a “turning point” to expedite ecological transition.
Turning 87 in December, Francis has faced various health issues, including knee and hip problems and a colon condition. In June, he underwent abdominal surgery, and in March, he was hospitalized for three nights due to bronchitis.
Last Saturday, he canceled several audiences due to a “slight flu-like state.”
