Is Pope Francis Sick? Pontiff Cancels Third Appearance This Month Amid Health Concerns

On Friday, June 27 Pope Francis canceled a visit to one of Rome’s main hospitals. This is the third time this month the 77-year-old pontiff postpones his appearance at an event due to illness. The pope had been due to visit the Gemelli hospital to celebrate a Mass there Friday afternoon, but nearly an hour after he was due to arrive, the Vatican issued a statement saying he was canceling the trip due to an “unexpected indisposition.”

Instead, Angelo Scola, Cardinal of Milan, read the homily. “I am sure I act for the hearts and minds of us all when I send a warm embrace to Pope Francis. May he overcome this indisposition quickly,” Scola said to the cheers and applauses of the crowd. People grew concerned over the pope’s health, since he has only one full lung and suffers from a bad back. Earlier this month he was forced to cancel two full days of audiences due to a stomach bug, and last week he missed participating in a mile-long procession in Southern Italy.

However, Vatican spokesman, Rev. Federico Lombardi, said the pope’s appointments for the weekend were confirmed and that there were “no concerns for his health.” On Saturday morning, he received the president of Madagascar during a short, 10-minute audience in the Vatican. Although the Holy Father looked tired, he smiled frequently during the encounter. He later delivered a speech to a delegation from the Orthodox church who was visiting, and continued to attend two meetings with Vatican cardinals. Pope Francis is scheduled to travel to South Korea in August.