Vatican City, November 6, 2023 - Pope Francis, despite feeling unwell, continues to carry out his duties with a packed schedule. During a meeting on Monday with Jewish rabbis from Europe, the Holy Father admitted his health was not at its best but chose to proceed with the day's activities.

According to reports from the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis opted to forgo reading his prepared remarks and instead handed out printed copies to the attendees. "Thank you for this visit that I appreciate very much," the Pope expressed during the gathering, "but it happens that I am not well in health, and that is why I prefer not to read the speech but give it to you."

Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, informed Il Corriere della Sera that the Pope was experiencing a "bit of a cold" and had a long day of audiences ahead. Despite his health concerns, Pope Francis still desired to personally greet the European rabbis, thus choosing to distribute his address in written form. Bruni emphasized that the Pope's regular activities were continuing as scheduled.

The Holy Father began his busy day on November 6th with a meeting with Archbishop Leo Boccardi, the recently retired apostolic nuncio to Japan. Following this, the Pope held audiences with two newly appointed ambassadors to the Holy See: Everton Vieira Vargas from Brazil and Manuela Leimgruber from Switzerland.

Later in the day, Pope Francis is expected to meet with a group of 7,000 children from over 80 countries. The announcement of this event was made by the Pope on October 1st, following the recitation of the midday Angelus.

In his prepared remarks to the rabbis, Pope Francis expressed his concern for recent events, stating, "My first thought and prayer goes, above all else, to everything that has happened in the last few weeks."

Despite feeling under the weather, Pope Francis continues to fulfill his responsibilities, displaying his dedication to his position and his commitment to engaging with diverse communities.