After canceling his July appointments, the Vatican has shot down reports that Pope Francis is ill.
According to CNN, on Wednesday, the Vatican denied the rumors swirling about the Pontiff’s health and said that the change in his summer schedule is not uncommon for popes.
"There is no sickness whatsoever," said the Rev. Thomas Rosica, a consultant to the Vatican press office. "If there was, we would be open about that and asking people to pray for him."
Questions about Pope Francis’ health were raised after the announcement Monday that his morning Mass and general audiences for the month of July in St Peter’s Square have been canceled.
Rosica said that the Pope is continuing to work, but just cutting back on some of his appearances.
The Holy Father will still continue to lead the Angelus blessing at the Vatican on Sundays except on August 17 when he may be in South Korea.
If the 77-year-old wants to take little break no one can blame him. Most Popes take a vacation in the summer months and leave Rome for the papal palace at Castel Gandolfo. Pope Francis, however, worked last summer without a vacation.