Pope Francis Cancels Audiences Due to Flu, Ahead of Belgium Trip

Pope Francis has canceled his audiences scheduled for Monday due to a 'slight flu-like state,' days before his trip to Belgium and Luxembourg. The Vatican described this as a precaution. Despite health issues, the Pope has maintained a busy schedule since returning from an 11-day trip to Asia.

Pope Francis canceled his scheduled audiences on Monday due to a 'slight flu-like state,' the Vatican announced, describing the decision as a precaution.

The Pope is set to visit Luxembourg on Thursday before traveling to Belgium, where he will conclude his trip with a Mass in Brussels on Sunday.

Despite his health issues, including acute bronchitis and recurring influenza, Francis recently returned from an 11-day trip to Asia, the longest of his pontificate. In Belgium, he will celebrate the 600th anniversary of the country's main Catholic universities and address the ongoing clergy abuse crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)