Pope Francis Cancels Morning Appointments Due to Illness, But Will Keep a Big Commitment This Afternoon

Pope Francis has a cold.

Therefore, he has cancelled all morning appointments, according to the Holy See Press Office.  Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the press office, told journalists this morning that the Holy Father has cancelled four appointments with heads of dicasteries within the Curia.  Since all four of the individuals reside in Rome, rescheduling will be easy—and so the Pope decided to rest, in preparation for activities later in the day.

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A head cold won’t keep him from ordaining a new bishop this afternoon, though. 

At 4:30 p.m. Rome time, the pope will be present for the Episcopal ordination of Monsignor Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, who is a member of the Legionaries of Christ.  Monsignor Vérgez was appointed in August 2013 to be the new secretary general of the Governorate of Vatican City-State.  As the second in command in the Vatican, he serves under the president of the Governate, Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello.

Feel better soon, Your Holiness!