VATICAN, November 28. /TASS/. Pope Francis had to cancel his visit to Dubai, where he was supposed to take part in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), due to his health condition, Holy See Spokesman Matteo Bruni said, adding that the pontiff did so at the medics’ insistence.

"Although the general clinical picture of the Pope has improved, the medics asked him to refrain from travelling to Dubai to take part in the COP28 conference […] considering that he still suffers from flu with a respiratory tract infection. With great regret, Pope Francis accepted the doctors’ request, therefore the trip has been cancelled," the spokesman said.

According to Bruni, the Holy See is currently considering Pope Francis’ "alternative form of participation" in the event.