The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis is improving after suffering from flu symptoms over the weekend, and that the 86-year-old pontiff is postponing some appointments while he recovers.
“The pope’s condition is good and stable, he has no fever, and his respiratory situation is clearly improving,” said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
Francis canceled his Saturday activities due to “light flu symptoms,” according to the Vatican, but a CT scan ruled out “risks of pulmonary complications.”
Bruni stated again on Monday that the scan had ruled out pneumonia, but that it had revealed “lung inflammation causing some breathing difficulties.”
“For more effective treatment, a cannula was inserted for infusion of intravenous antibiotic therapy,” he explained, referring to the thin tube that allows fluids to be inserted into the body.
Some important appointments had been postponed, according to Bruni, while less taxing ones remained on the pope’s calendar.
Due to his weekend condition, Francis recited the traditional Angelus prayer from his residence rather than overlooking St Peter’s Square on Sunday.
The leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics will deliver a much-anticipated speech at the United Nations Climate Summit in Dubai next Saturday.
Since his election in 2013, Francis has dealt with a number of health issues, including hip problems, knee pain, and weight gain, as well as an inflamed colon and a respiratory infection.
Due to recurring knee pain, he now uses a wheelchair and had surgery in June to remove a hernia.
