Pope Francis has cancelled his planned trip to the Conference of Parties Climate Summit in Dubai on the back of effects of influenza and lung inflammation, adding to concerns about his health.
According to the statement by the Director of the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday evening, the Pope’s physicians have asked him not to undertake his scheduled journey to Dubai to participate in the COP28 Summit, and he has accepted their advice “with great regret.”
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The statement read: “Even though the Holy Father’s general health situation has improved in relation to the flu and respiratory tract inflammation he has been suffering from, his doctors have asked the Pope not to undertake his scheduled visit to Dubai in the coming days, on the occasion of the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.”
The Pope, who is 86, was scheduled from December 1 to 3, and was to address the COP28 Assembly on Saturday, and on Sunday participate in the inauguration of the COP’s Faith Pavilion.
“following through with the Pope’s and the Holy See’s wish to be part of the discussions taking place in the coming days, the modalities by which this can happen will be defined as soon as possible,” the Vatican added.
According to the statement, in order to facilitate the Pope’s recovery, some important engagements scheduled for these days have been postponed; others of an institutional nature have been maintained.
“Pope Francis, however, has already shown a marked improvement since Monday, with no fever or particular respiratory problems.
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“The Pope’s condition is good and stabler,” the Director of the Holy See Press Office said, but his doctors say it is preferable that he continues to rest and not have to face the strain that every journey entails.
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