The Vatican reported that Pope Francis returned to work on Saturday after missing a day due to a fever, and the pontiff was scheduled to attend numerous private audiences.
The 86-year-old had a full schedule of meetings scheduled, according to the report. He was hospitalized for bronchitis over two months ago.
The Argentine pope was not holding audiences, according to Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, “due to a feverish state.”
Since the pope’s schedule was kept a secret, it was unknown with whom he had been scheduled to see.
Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state for the Vatican, attributed the pope’s “tired” state to his hectic workload.
Francis’s public schedule indicated that he had eight meetings on Thursday.
Pope Francis Talks About His Final Days And Health
His next public appearance is Sunday’s mass at St Peter’s Basilica to celebrate Pentecost, followed by the traditional Regina Coeli prayer.
On Monday, he is scheduled to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
Francis, leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics since 2013, has suffered increasing health issues over the past year, from persistent pain in his right knee to his recent hospital stay for bronchitis.
The episodes have sparked widespread concern and fuelled speculation that he might choose to retire rather than stay in the job for life, a choice made by his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
In late March, Francis was admitted to hospital in Rome after having breathing difficulties, and stayed for three nights.
He was treated with antibiotics for bronchitis.
As he left the Gemelli Hospital on April 1, the pope smiled and joked with well-wishers, quipping: “I am still alive!”
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