Pope Francis Shortens Speech Again Due to Cold

Pope Francis indicated today, Wednesday, that he is "still suffering from a cold" and has shortened his speech once again during the weekly meeting held in St. Peter's Square, delegating one of his aides to read the pre-written text. Francis stated that he asks one of his aides to read the address "because I am still suffering from a cold, and I won't be able to read properly." Nevertheless, he spoke briefly at the end of the weekly meeting, greeting the attendees and calling for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. The 87-year-old Francis has faced health issues over the past two weeks, which forced him to cancel some engagements and avoid giving certain speeches. The Vatican reported on February 24 that "Francis is suffering from a mild flu." Last week, he was admitted to a hospital in Rome for a CT scan, and on Saturday, he mentioned that he is "suffering from bronchitis."