Pope down with a cold, cancels morning audiences but keeps afternoon Mass appointment

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican says Pope Francis has canceled his morning audiences because of a cold but is keeping an afternoon Mass appointment.

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said the 76-year-old pontiff, who lost most of one of his lungs due to an infection in his youth, is eating and resting comfortably at his hotel.

But, Lombardi said, he has canceled four appointments with various Vatican officials that will be rescheduled.

Francis had a busy day on Thursday making his first state visit to the Italian president across town. He appeared tired, but otherwise in good spirits.

Friday afternoon he is due to preside over the ordination of bishops in St. Peter's Basilica.