Pope Francis cancels Congo and South Sudan trip over knee problem

Pope Francis arrives for the weekly general audience at the Vatican, June 8, 2022. [Reuters]

Pope Francis' July 2-7 trip to Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan has been cancelled because of the 85-year-old pontiff's knee ailment, the Vatican said on Friday.

The decision was taken "with regret" at the request of the Pope's doctors, who have been treating him for a torn ligament in his knee. The condition has forced him to use a wheelchair for the last month, although he has kept up his activity, including a meeting on Friday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.