Flu forces Pope to clear schedule

The Pope normally has a tough schedule of meetings and trips

Pope John Paul II has cancelled all his appointments and audiences over the coming days because of a bout of influenza, the Vatican says.

A Papal spokesman said he would be taking the next few days off to let the illness run its course.

The Pope holds a weekly audience on Wednesdays and has not missed one since September 2003.

The 84-year-old pontiff came down with the virus on Sunday and was advised by his doctors to clear his schedule.

Papal postponment

Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease and painful knee and joint conditions, the Pope normally takes part in a hectic schedule of audiences, official meetings and appointments.

"As expected, there is a continuing progression of the flu which has affected the Holy Father," spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said on Tuesday.

"In consequence, his appointments scheduled for the coming days have been postponed. In particular, the general audience will not take place tomorrow," he said in a statement.

The Vatican said the Pope was suffering from a bout of influenza and not the common cold.