Advertisement
Pope Francis announced on Sunday that he is grappling with lung inflammation but intends to travel to Dubai later this week to address the climate change conference. Despite skipping his usual Sunday appearance at St Peter’s Square due to a mild flu, the Pope delivered the traditional noon blessing through a televised appearance from the chapel in the Vatican hotel where he resides.
Brothers and sisters, I wish you a happy Sunday. Unfortunately, I am unable to appear at the window today due to an issue with inflammation of the lungs,” stated Francis.
The pontiff, approaching his 87th birthday next month, mentioned that a priest seated beside him would read out his reflections for the day.
In his remarks, Francis announced his intention to attend the COP28 gathering on climate change in the United Arab Emirates. He assured that he would deliver his scheduled speech to the participants on Saturday, emphasizing the severity of the climate change issue, particularly for the younger generation.
On his right hand, there was a bandage and what seemed to be a cannula. The Vatican did not promptly address an inquiry from the AP regarding whether he was undergoing intravenous treatment. The inconsistency between the Pope stating he has lung inflammation and the Vatican’s earlier announcement of a negative CT scan for pulmonary complications at a Rome hospital remains unexplained.
Expressing gratitude to those offering prayers, Francis acknowledged the support for his upcoming three-day journey to Dubai. Earlier this year, the Pope spent three days in the hospital, revealing it was due to pneumonia, while the Vatican described it as a case of bronchitis requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics.
The current weekend in Rome has been marked by strong winds and unusually cold temperatures for late autumn.
