Pope cancels audiences due to mild flu

By Vatican News

Pope Francis cancelled his engagements on Saturday morning “due to a mild, flu-like condition,” according to an announcement from the Holy See Press Office. The statement indicated that the decision was made “as a precautionary measure.”

Last week, the Holy Father took part in the Lenten Spiritual Exercises, a period of the liturgical year set aside for prayer and recollection.  Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of a personal experience of the annual spiritual exercises for himself and his collaborators in the Roman Curia.

During the past week, all of the Pontiff’s engagements were suspended, including Wednesday’s general audience. Papal appointments had been scheduled to resume today.