Pope Francis admitted during a public appearance at the Vatican on Wednesday, that he would not be attending the U.N. climate conference, known as COP28, in Dubai.
Francis, who has lung inflammation causing breathing problems, presided with the public but said he was still unwell and asked an aide to read his remarks for him.
With a soft voice, barely above a whisper, Francis told the public that the aid would read his written remarks “since I am not well.” He then handed the printed speech to the aide while Francis remained seated on the stage.
Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, stood up only briefly at the start of the event. He made the sign of the cross and then returned to his seat.
On Tuesday, the Vatican announced that doctors had asked the pope to skip the climate conference as the pope, who will turn 87 on Dec. 17, continues to suffer from the flu and “inflammation of the respiratory airways.” He acquiesced to the doctors’ request “with great regret,” the Vatican said.
The trip would have started Friday, with the pope returning to Rome on Sunday.
