Vatican officials announced on Monday that Pope Francis, aged 86, is showing signs of improvement after experiencing flu-like symptoms over the weekend. The pontiff, undergoing recovery, has opted to reschedule certain commitments to aid his recuperation, as disclosed by Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
Describing the Pope’s condition as stable and positive, Bruni assured that the religious leader’s health was steadily improving, with no fever and a noticeable enhancement in his respiratory condition.
Although Pope Francis had to forego some crucial engagements, Bruni emphasized that lighter commitments remained on his schedule. Notably, due to his health over the weekend, the Pope conducted the customary Angelus prayer on Sunday from his residence instead of addressing the crowd in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope’s anticipated speech at the UN climate summit in Dubai, slated for the upcoming Saturday, remains a significant event. However, the Vatican indicated that his health would be under close observation, acknowledging the importance of the address despite the ongoing recovery.
Pope Francis has faced various health challenges since assuming his position in 2013, ranging from hip problems, knee pain, and respiratory infections to recent surgeries for an inflamed colon and hernia removal. His current reliance on a wheelchair stems from persistent knee issues, but despite these health setbacks, the pontiff remains committed to his religious and global duties.