Pope Francis chooses not to deliver speech due to feeling unwell, explains Vatican spokesperson

Pope Francis, during an audience with the delegation of European Rabbis, acknowledged that he was not feeling well and preferred not to read his speech. The Vatican's spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, later revealed that the Holy Father is experiencing a cold.

"Pope Francis is slightly unwell today and it has been a busy day filled with audiences. He wanted to personally greet all the rabbis, so instead, he gave them a printed copy of his speech. As for any other matters, the Pope will proceed as planned," reported Matteo Bruni, the media director of the Holy See Press Office.

Speculation about the Pope's health arose following his actions during a meeting with the delegation of European rabbis. "It turns out that I'm not feeling too well today and for that reason, I'd rather hand you the speech than read it," said the Holy Father.

"Once again, violence and war have erupted in the Holy Land, a place blessed by the Most High. It seems like it's constantly being rocked by the maliciousness of hatred and the lethal noise of weapons," the Pope wrote in his speech.

The Holy Father further expressed his concern over the increasing incidence of anti-Semitism, which he "strongly condemns". He stressed that "compassion, justice, and dialogue, not weapons, terrorism, or war, are the appropriate tools to establish peace."

In the afternoon, Pope Francis is scheduled to meet with 7,000 children from 84 different countries.