"Pope Francis' Illness Forces Cancellations and Speech Readings"

Pope Francis, who is still unwell, asked an aide to read his remarks during his weekly audience at the Vatican. The Pope, who had recently canceled an overseas trip due to illness, coughed during the audience and spoke with a soft voice. He expressed his contentment over the truce between Israel and Hamas and hoped for the release of hostages and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The Vatican announced that doctors had asked the Pope to skip a climate conference in Dubai due to his lung inflammation and flu. Despite his illness, Francis met with a soccer team and watched circus performers during the audience. He had been hospitalized earlier this year for bronchitis and is currently receiving intravenous antibiotics.