VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis cancelled all engagements on Saturday after the Vatican said he was suffering from a mild flu.

 The pope had not partaken in any engagements from Feb. 18 to Feb 23, as he was engaged in “spiritual practices for Lent” including prayer, reflection and fasting.

 The pontiff and the rest of the Roman Curia had wanted to experience this time of year “on a personal level.”

 He was expected to resume his engagements on Saturday, however this has been postponed while he recovers from a “mild” bout of the flu. 

 Although the pope carried out his duties on Sunday, his engagements were once again cancelled on Monday as "symptoms persist." 

 khg