Pope Francis made his first public appearance at the Vatican on Wednesday since he canceled his overseas trip to the COP28 United Nations climate conference in Dubai.

Pope Francis has canceled his trip to Dubai for the U.N. climate conference on doctors’ orders. The announcement marked the second time the pope’s frail health had forced the cancellation of a foreign trip.

Pope Francis will not attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, later this week in Dubai after all, on the advice of his physicians, the Holy See Press Office said on Wednesday.

Vatican says ‘flu-like condition’ will prevent pontiff from making historic visit to summit where he was expected to urge more action to tackle climate crisis

Pope Francis has cancelled his trip to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai due to influenza and lung inflammation, the Vatican said. The Pope, 86, was due to begin a three-day visit on Friday. Earlier on Tuesday,

The pontiff, who turns 87 next month, has experienced declining health in recent years.

Lung inflammation and breathing difficulties forced Pope Francis to cancel several meetings, the Vatican said Monday.