Pope cancels visit to Dubai for climate talks upon doctors' advice

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Pope Francis canceled his trip to Dubai for the COP28 climate talks upon doctors' advice, according to the Vatican Press Office on Tuesday.

Although the pontiff's health from the flue has improved, doctors have asked him not to make the trip planned for the next few days to Dubai, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement.

The 86-year-old pope has a long history of health problems. In early November, he did not read a prepared speech at a meeting with European rabbis, saying he was not feeling well.

The United Arab Emirates is set to host this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 with the aim of keeping the Paris Agreement warming target of 1.5C (2.7F) alive.