Pope Francis Cancels Audiences Due to Flu-Like Symptoms

ROME — Pope Francis canceled his audiences on Monday due to a “slight flu-like state,” the Vatican announced. The move was described as a “precaution” just days before the Pope is scheduled to embark on a trip to Belgium and Luxembourg.

Francis is set to visit Luxembourg on Thursday, followed by a visit to Belgium for the remainder of the week, concluding with a Mass in Brussels on Sunday.

The 87-year-old Pope, who has experienced a series of health issues in recent years, has maintained a busy schedule of audiences since returning from a 11-day, four-nation journey through Asia on Sept. 13. This was the longest and farthest trip of his papacy.