Pope Francis, when he met a delegation of European rabbis, said that he was “slightly unwell” and for this reason he prefered “not to read his speech, but to give the text” to his visitors.
The Pope has not cancelled the rest of his meetings today and he is expected to be tested for a virus. As is well known, the pope suffers from chronic illnesses and has undergone intestinal surgery. He seemed visibly fatigued and breathless today.
In his written address, the pontiff appeals to the Lord “to help the faithful to promote dialogue” and not to give in “to the temptation of revenge and the insanity of the hatred of war.”
The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, said earlier that Pope Francis had “a bit of a cold”.
“He preferred to greet the European rabbis individually, and that’s why he handed over his speech. But his planned activities for Monday are expected to continue as usual,” Bruni added.