The Vatican announced that Pope Francis has canceled his journey to the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai owing to influenza and lung inflammation.
The Pope, 86, was scheduled to arrive in Rome on Friday for a three-day visit.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Vatican announced that despite being sick over the weekend, he planned to travel.
The pope agreed not to travel “with great regret” when his physicians begged him not to, according to the statement.
“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 planned for the coming days to Dubai,” the pontiff’s office said.
The Pope canceled programs on Saturday owing to “light flu symptoms,” according to the Vatican. He had a CT scan, which ruled out pneumonia but revealed some inflammation.
Instead of St Peter’s Square, Francis appeared seated in his residence chapel for his weekly blessing and Sunday speech, as an aide read his message and a bandage carrying an intravenous tube could be seen on his hand.
This year has been difficult for Pope Francis’ health. In March, he was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis, and in June, he had abdominal surgery to repair a hernia.
The Pope was anticipated to criticize countries for their lack of action on climate change and try to urge them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Dubai.
The Vatican stated that he still want to participate in the conversations.
The Pope has made the environment a central pillar of his pontificate, warning last month that the planet was “collapsing” owing to climate change and may be “on the verge of collapse.”
The world’s leaders will meet in the United Arab Emirates from Friday to December 12 to discuss climate change.
More than 200 governments, charities, community groups, think tanks, and corporations have been invited.