Pope Francis abruptly cancels audience after ‘minor’ health issue

Pope Francis canceled some of his official duties on Saturday, citing health issues, the Vatican said.

According to the latest information from the Holy See’s Press Office, the Pope has suspended official duties due to a “mild flu-like condition.” The Vatican also announced on February 24 that official business was canceled for the day, but that this was a precautionary measure.

Pope Francis, 87, has recently suffered from health problems, including difficulty breathing, after contracting pneumonia in Argentina when he was younger and having part of his lung removed. The Pope had to cancel a planned visit to the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai last December due to lung inflammation. Last March, Pope Francis was treated at a Rome hospital for a respiratory infection.

“Pope Francis was touched by the many messages he received and expressed his gratitude for the closeness and prayers,” Matteo Bruni, head of the Holy See’s press office, said in a statement at the time.

This is breaking news and will be updated as more information becomes available.