Pope Francis appeared out of breath and limited his speech at a public event this Wednesday (29), a day after canceling a trip to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai due to health problems.
“Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome,” the 86-year-old pontiff said at his weekly audience, held in the Vatican’s Paul IV room.
He then said that an advisor would read the main text in his place, “since I’m still not well with this flu and (my) voice is not pleasant.”
On Tuesday (28), the Vatican stated that Francis would not make a planned three-day trip to Dubai, starting on Friday (01), for COP28, due to medical orders.
“Although the Holy Father’s general clinical condition has improved with regard to the flu and inflammation of the respiratory tract, doctors have asked the Pope not to make the trip,” a statement said.
He was greeted in the crowded hall by applause and chants. “Viva il papa”.
Francis spoke again at the end of the audience, calling for the continuation of a truce in the Gaza Strip, the release of all hostages and access for humanitarian aid to the territory.
“We ask for peace,” he said, also mentioning Ukraine.
The pope, who is receiving local reports from the Catholic parish in Gaza, expressed concern about the lack of water and bread and the suffering of ordinary people.
“War is always a defeat, everyone loses (except) one group that profits a lot: the weapons manufacturers who make good money from the deaths of others,” he said.
Francisco, who has difficulty walking due to a knee problem and sometimes uses a wheelchair, arrived at the hearing on Wednesday (29) walking, aided by a cane.
His audience also enjoyed a brief show by circus artists, including a clown, acrobats and jugglers, who performed on the podium alongside Francisco.
He thanked them for offering a “moment of joy.”
*Reporting by Alvise Armellini
Source: CNN Brasil
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