Pope cancels audiences due to illness days before new trip

The move was described as a precaution after Francis developed ‘flu-like’ symptoms.

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Supporting image for story: Pope cancels audiences due to illness days before new trip
Pope Francis waves during the Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St.Peter’s Square

Pope Francis has cancelled his audiences on Monday because of a “slight flu-like state” just days before he is to embark on a trip to Belgium and Luxembourg, the Vatican said.

The move was described as a “precaution” in a statement from the Vatican.

Francis is due to visit Luxembourg on Thursday and then spend the rest of the week in Belgium, ending with a Mass in Brussels on Sunday.

The 87-year-old, who has battled a series of health problems in recent years, has had a packed schedule of audiences since returning from a four-nation, 11-day journey through Asia on September 13.

It was the longest and furthest trip of his pontificate.