Pope skips reading speech to European rabbis, saying he not feeling well

Pope Francis on Monday skipped reading a prepared speech for a meeting with European rabbis, telling them he was not feeling well. "Good morning. I greet you all and I welcome you and thank you for this visit, which greatly pleases me. But it happens that I am not well and because of this I prefer not to read the speech but give you a copy," he told them.

Francis, 86, appeared to be short of breath. In the past he has not read speeches in order to preserve his strength. He has a big gathering with children from around the world later on Monday at the Vatican.

A Vatican spokesman did not immediate respond to a request for comment and no changes to the rest of his schedule for Monday were announced.