Despite canceling his trip to Dubai this weekend upon doctors' requests, Pope Francis still appeared at his weekly General Audience. He was in good spirits but had a difficult time breathing and was unable to read his speech.
POPE FRANCIS
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome.
We will continue with the catechesis but I am still not well with this flu and my voice is not good so Monsignor Ciampanelli will read it.
The Pope only intervened at the end of the audience to thank the circus performers for their show. And to ask for prayers for the situation in Israel and Gaza—specifically for hostages to be released and for the people to stop suffering the consequences of the conflict.
POPE FRANCIS
I heard the parish there has a lack of water and a lack of bread. People are suffering.
The Pope, despite having cancelled the trip to Dubai, is still quite active in the Vatican. He has shortened his agenda but there has not been a day since the beginning of the week that he has not presided over meetings.
JRB/AT
