Pope Francis has canceled his participation in an Advent sermon that had been planned for some time, reportedly due to a cold.
During an audience at the Vatican on Friday, the head of the Catholic Church mentioned having a cold but still went ahead with the event and another scheduled meeting.
Italian media reported that the Pope appeared short of breath and had difficulty speaking.
The Pope, who celebrated his 88th birthday on Tuesday, has been facing health issues for some time. During public appearances, he often uses a wheelchair.
A few days ago, the Pope injured his chin after hitting it on a bedside table, the Vatican stated.
The leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide has a busy schedule during Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis will lead the Midnight Mass atSt. Peter’s Basilica. The opening of the Holy Doors there will also mark the beginning of the Holy Jubilee of 2025, an event typically celebrated every 25 years in the Vatican.
On Christmas Day, the Pope will deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Pope Francis, born in Argentina, has led the Catholic Church since 2013. He is older than nearly all of his predecessors.
According to Vatican records, the only Pope to have lived longer was Leo XIII, who passed away in 1903 at the age of 93.
