“Although the Holy Father’s general clinical picture has improved with regard to his flu-like condition and inflammation of the respiratory tract”, doctors have asked him “not to make the planned trip to Dubai…”, said Bruni.

“Pope Francis accepted the doctors’ request with great regret and the trip is therefore cancelled,” he continued.

Bruni added that the pontiff and the Holy See still wanted “to be part of the discussions taking place over the next few days”.

“The manner in which this might happen will be worked out as soon as possible.”

On Saturday the Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis was suffering from a “slight flu-like condition” but that a CAT scan had yielded negative results, ruling out the risk of “pulmonary complications”.

Some of his engagements were subsequently cancelled and others - including his long-awaited participation at COP28 - were confirmed. 

ANSA