Pope cancels trip to Congo and South Sudan due to bad knee

By NICOLE WINFIELD
Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has canceled a planned July trip to Africa on doctors’ orders because of ongoing knee problems. The Vatican said the July 2-7 trip to Congo and South Sudan would be rescheduled “to a later date to be determined.” Francis has used a wheelchair for about a month due to strained ligaments in his right knee that have made walking and standing difficult. As recently as this week, however, plans were proceeding for the trip to the two African countries. But questions have swirled for months about Francis’ ability to manage the taxing journey. Francis also has a July 24-30 visit to Canada planned. A Vatican statement said nothing about that trip.