Pope Francis cancels meetings because of ‘flu-like’ conditions

Sept. 23 (UPI) — Pope Francis canceled all of his audiences Monday as he was experiencing “mild flu-like” conditions, the Vatican said.

The Vatican described the cancelations as a “precautionary measure” as Francis decided to rest ahead of his upcoming trip to Luxembourg and Belgium from Thursday to Sunday.

The cancelations come after the pope returned from an early two-week tour of the Asian Pacific, the longest of his papacy. There were some concerns over the pope, 87, taking on the trip because of past health concerns that left him hospitalized.

Francis was supposed to meet with the members of the Pontifical Academy of Science and with youth participating in a Christmas contest.

Despite not meeting with the group, the pope published the speech he had planned to make to young people.

“[I] would like to recall with you, young singers and musicians who are dedicated to promoting the values of Christmas, that the birth of Jesus was accompanied by a heavenly song, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven and on Earth peace among those who he favors,'” the speech said, according to the National Catholic Register.

“You are part of this great movement, with your originality, stories and voices and it is always God’s love, made man in Jesus Christ, that speaks to your hearts.”