Pope Francis pulls out of COP28 due to illness

(Vatican City)  --  Pope Francis is pulling out of his planned trip to the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai.

The Vatican said the Pope is continuing to deal with the effects of the flu as he recovers from it, along with lung inflammation.

The 86-year-old pope was due to travel to the Middle East this weekend for three days.

The pope agreed to stay home "with great regret."

The Vatican is looking into ways he can still join discussions remotely.