Pope cancels UN climate conference trip due to medical advice
Pope Francis Forced to Cancel Trip to UN Climate Conference on Doctors’ Orders
The highly anticipated trip of Pope Francis to Dubai for the U.N. climate conference has been abruptly canceled due to the pontiff’s health concerns, according to the Vatican. Despite his recovery from the flu and lung inflammation, doctors have advised against his travel.
At the age of 87, Pope Francis was scheduled to depart from Rome this Friday to deliver a keynote address at the COP28 meeting on Saturday morning. Additionally, he was set to inaugurate a faith pavilion on Sunday, showcasing his commitment to environmental issues.
It was only on Sunday that the pope disclosed his lung inflammation but expressed his determination to proceed with the trip. His involvement in the U.N. climate conference would have marked a historic moment as the first pontiff to address such an event. World leaders and religious figures alike have praised his moral leadership on environmental matters.
Until the late announcement on Tuesday, all indications from the Vatican suggested that the trip would proceed as planned. The Vatican spokesman had already conducted a pre-trip briefing, journalists had made payments for the papal plane, and accreditation details had been finalized.
This is not the first time the pope’s fragile health has disrupted his travel plans. In 2022, he had to postpone a trip to Congo and South Sudan due to knee inflammation, although he managed to make the journey later that year.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, stated that Pope Francis was recovering from the flu and respiratory tract inflammation that had forced him to cancel previous engagements. However, the doctors strongly advised against the Dubai trip, leading to its regrettable cancellation.
Throughout his life, Pope Francis has faced respiratory issues, having undergone the removal of part of one lung during his youth. He has also experienced mobility challenges due to strained knee ligaments, often relying on a cane or wheelchair.
Last week, the pope contracted the flu, prompting him to cancel his scheduled audiences. He underwent a CAT scan at the hospital, which ruled out pneumonia. On Sunday, he opted to avoid the cold and delivered his traditional noon blessing from the Vatican hotel chapel, with a priest reading his written reflections aloud.
Witnesses who saw Pope Francis this week noted an improvement in his health, although he still spoke in a whisper. In April, he spent three days in the hospital for bronchitis, and in July 2021, he underwent intestinal surgery. Despite these health challenges, the pope remains resilient, humorously responding to inquiries about his well-being with his trademark line, “Still alive!”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post Pope Cancels Trip to UN Climate Conference on Doctors’ Orders appeared first on The Western Journal.
What health concerns led to Pope Francis canceling his planned trip to Brazil in 2013?
Alth has forced him to cancel or modify his travel plans. In 2013, shortly after his election as pope, he canceled a planned trip to Brazil due to undisclosed health concerns. In 2014, he also canceled a visit to South Korea due to fatigue.
The cancellation of the trip to the U.N. climate conference is a disappointment for many who were looking forward to hearing the pope’s perspective on the urgent issue of climate change. Pope Francis has been a vocal advocate for environmental stewardship and has actively promoted the need to address climate change as a moral imperative. His encyclical letter “Laudato Si” released in 2015 was a groundbreaking document that called for action on climate change and outlined the interconnectedness of environmental issues with social and economic justice.
The pope’s decision to prioritize his health and follow the advice of his doctors is understandable and commendable. At his age, it is important for him to take necessary precautions to ensure his well-being. It also serves as a reminder that even the most influential and charismatic leaders are not immune to health issues.
While Pope Francis will not physically be present at the U.N. climate conference in Dubai, his message and commitment to environmental action remain strong. The Catholic Church, under his leadership, will continue to advocate for sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet for future generations. His absence at the conference may be a setback, but it does not diminish the significance of the cause he champions.
It is now up to the world leaders, delegates, and participants at the U.N. climate conference to carry on the discussions and work towards effective solutions to combat climate change. The pope’s absence serves as a reminder that the responsibility to protect our environment falls on all of us, regardless of our religious or political affiliations.
As the pope continues to recuperate, we can only hope for his swift recovery and pray for his continued health and well-being. His leadership and moral voice on environmental issues are invaluable, and we look forward to his future contributions in addressing the challenges of our changing world.
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