-
Advertisement
Italy
WorldEurope

Pope resumes appointments after illness; meets American director Martin Scorsese

  • The Vatican has confirmed that the pope will preside over Pentecost Mass on Sunday, and will meet Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, on Monday
  • According to Vatican News, a number of poets, writers and film directors from around the world attended a conference with a Jesuit-run journal

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
Pope Francis meets film director Martin Scorsese and his wife Helen Morris at the Vatican in Rome, Italy on Saturday. Photo:  Vatican Media / ­Handout via Reuters
Agencies

Pope Francis resumed regular appointments on Saturday, one day after cancelling his schedule due to a fever.

The pontiff held a number of private meetings, including with visitors from Georgetown University who were in town for a conference with a Jesuit-run journal.

According to Vatican News, a number of poets, writers and film directors from around the world attended the conference, including director Martin Scorsese and his family. Francis later was captured on video arriving at the studios of the state broadcaster RAI to tape an interview, smiling animatedly at well-wishers outside.

Pope Francis during an interview with state broadcaster RAI in Rome, Italy on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE / Vatican Media Handout
Pope Francis during an interview with state broadcaster RAI in Rome, Italy on Saturday. Photo: EPA-EFE / Vatican Media Handout

The Vatican’s confirmation of the 86-year-old pope’s fever sparked concerns about Francis’ health. The last time he spiked a serious fever, in March, the 86-year-old pontiff was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis. He received intravenous antibiotics and was released three days later.

Advertisement

The Vatican has confirmed that the pope will preside over Pentecost Mass on Sunday, and will meet Italy’s president, Sergio Mattarella, on Monday.

Also on Saturday, Pope Francis accepted Strasbourg Archbishop Luc Ravel’s request to resign following accusations of misconduct in office, the French Bishops’ Conference said without providing further reasons.

Advertisement

Ravel’s resignation comes after a papal investigation into the archbishopric in Alsace last summer.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x