Pope not to address event today due to breathing difficulties

Pope Francis on Thursday will not speak at the plenary assembly of the Association for the Assistance to the Eastern Churches, Report informs via ANSA.

Pope Francis said he was still experiencing breathing problems, which are the result of anesthesia after undergoing surgery earlier in June.

"I'm still under anesthesia, having trouble breathing," he said.

It is reported that the pontiff asked the prefect of the decastery for the Eastern Churches, Claudio Gugerotti, to convey to those present an appeal in writing.

On June 7, 86-year-old Francis underwent abdominal surgery. After being discharged on June 16, the pontiff held a series of audiences, in particular, he received the presidents of Cuba and Brazil.