Vatican Pope

Pope Francis leaves after meeting with members of the Italian Conference of Bishops at the Vatican on Thursday. Pope Francis skipped meetings Friday because he was running a fever after a particularly busy day, the Vatican said. The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said Francis was tired and attributed the fever to the fact that Francis had greeted, one by one, a particularly big crowd of his school foundation Thursday afternoon. Gregorio Borgia/Associated Press

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis resumed regular appointments on Saturday, one day after canceling his schedule due to a fever.

The pontiff held a number of private meetings, including with visitors from Georgetown University who were in town for a conference with a Jesuit-run journal. According to Vatican News, a number of poets, writers and film directors from around the world attended the conference, including director Martin Scorsese and his family. Francis later was captured on video arriving at the studios of the state broadcaster RAI to tape an interview, smiling animatedly at well-wishers outside.

The Vatican’s confirmation of the 86-year-old pope’s fever sparked concerns about Francis’ health. The last time he spiked a serious fever, in March, the 86-year-old pontiff was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. He received intravenous antibiotics and was released three days later.

The Vatican has confirmed that the pope will preside over Pentecost Mass on Sunday, and will meet with Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, on Monday.

Related Headlines


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.