Pope Francis has revealed that he is currently dealing with an inflammation of the lungs but intends to proceed with his scheduled trip to Dubai later this week to address the COP28 climate change conference. The pontiff, who missed his regular Sunday appearance due to a mild flu, delivered the traditional noon blessing in a televised live appearance from the chapel in the Vatican hotel where he resides.
Despite his health setback, Pope Francis expressed his commitment to addressing the global issue of climate change during the COP28 gathering. In his reflections, read by a priest alongside him, the pontiff emphasized the grave threat posed by climate change to life on Earth, especially for future generations. He thanked those offering prayers and support for his journey, using the term “safeguarding the common house” to refer to Earth.
During the footage, it was noticeable that Pope Francis had a bandage on his right hand and what appeared to be a cannula. The Vatican has not provided immediate clarification regarding whether the Pope is receiving intravenous or any other form of treatment. This follows a previous statement from the Vatican that a CT scan conducted a day earlier yielded negative results and was intended to rule out the risk of pulmonary complications.
This disclosure comes after Pope Francis’s hospitalization earlier this year for pneumonia, described by the Vatican as a case of bronchitis requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics. The Pope’s voice during the televised appearance seemed strained and at times breathless, likely reflecting the effects of his current health condition.
As Pope Francis presses forward with his commitment to climate action despite health challenges, this development adds a layer of complexity to discussions surrounding both his personal well-being and the urgency of addressing climate change on a global scale.
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