Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Pope Francis resumed his meetings on September 24 after taking a day off due to "a mild flu-like condition." The Vatican Media released photos of the pope meeting with the bishops of Mozambique, who were in Rome for their "ad limina" visits. These meetings, held privately, allow bishops to report on the status of their dioceses.

The meeting took place in the library of the Apostolic Palace following Pope Francis's rest day on September 23. The Vatican press office had stated that the 87-year-old pope was resting as “a precautionary measure” ahead of his scheduled trip to Luxembourg and Belgium from September 26-29.

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on September 13 after a 12-day trip to Asia and the Pacific. He immediately resumed his duties, including meeting members of a pilgrimage in St. Peter’s Basilica and maintaining a full schedule for ten days thereafter.

On September 22, Pope Francis recited the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square without showing any signs of illness. The Vatican also published texts prepared by him for audiences scheduled on September 23 with members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and participants in a Christmas song contest related to the Vatican.

Pope Francis has been susceptible to colds and bronchitis due to surgery he underwent in 1957, which removed part of one lung following a severe respiratory infection. His last health-related cancellation occurred in late February when he was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Isola Hospital for diagnostic tests after a general audience on February 28. He later revealed he had bronchitis during an audience two days afterward.

For three weeks following this incident, aides often read his texts during public appearances, although he personally delivered homilies during Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter.