By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters – Pope Francis apologised Sunday to South Sudanese people for having to cancel their visit due to his walking issues and stated that he hopes his condition will improve.

On Thursday, the Vatican declared that the July 2–7 trip was postponed indefinitely due to the 85-year old pontiff’s knee injury. He has been forced to use a wheelchair since he is now more than one month.

At his Sunday address in front of thousands, he stated that he felt great regret about having to delay this trip.

“I beg you to forgive me. Let’s pray that God will help me to get back to you quickly. Directly addressing both the citizens and officials of each country, he stated that “We are hopeful”.

According to the Vatican, Thursday’s postponement was made “in order not compromise the outcome of his knee surgery”.

His injury was believed to be due to a torn ligament. He described it as problems with his leg on Sunday. Francis has sciatica as well, which causes him to limp before his knee problems flare up.

Sources close to the Vatican claim that the pope was receiving multiple injections per day for the illness, along with physical therapy. They also stated that the pope had been hoping to have at least partial walking ability before the trip.

The pope has been accused of being against surgery after he had an operation last year to remove a part of his intestinal tract.

Canada is expected to host the pope from July 24-30.

He advised his audience not to grow accustomed to Ukraine’s war. He stated, “Let not the passing time be used to minimize our grief and concern for the martyred,”