Pope Francis has canceled an audience scheduled for Saturday as a precaution after coming down with mild flu, the Vatican press office confirmed. The 87-year-old pontiff was set to meet with Rome deacons in the morning, but the meeting was called off due to his health condition.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni stated that the pope's weekly Sunday Angelus address was still pending confirmation, and no further health updates were expected for the day. This recent health setback comes after a history of health issues for Pope Francis.
In late November, the pope had to cancel some activities and an international trip due to breathing problems. A subsequent scan ruled out lung complications, but it is worth noting that Francis had part of one lung removed in his youth while living in Argentina.
Earlier this year, in April, Pope Francis spent three days at Rome's Gemelli hospital for bronchitis treatment. He was discharged after receiving intravenous antibiotics. In July 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery for narrowing of the bowel, followed by another operation in June 2023 to repair an abdominal hernia and remove scarring from previous surgeries.
Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis has maintained a sense of humor about his condition, often joking in interviews that he is 'still alive, you know.' While he has hinted at the possibility of stepping down if his health deteriorates significantly, he recently stated in a TV interview that he feels in good health and has no immediate plans to resign.
Speculation about the future of Pope Francis' pontificate has increased following the death of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, in late 2022. Benedict's resignation in 2013 was a historic moment for the Catholic Church, as he became the first pope in six centuries to step down from the papacy.
