Pope Francis cited his poor health as he declined to read a prepared speech at a meeting with European rabbis, and a Vatican spokesperson said he had a “bit of a cold”.
A visibly fatigued and breathless Francis, 86, told the rabbis during the audience in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace that he was very happy to receive them, but added: “I’m not feeling well and so I prefer not to read the speech but give it to you, so you can take it with you.”
