Vatican Pope holds prayer from residence due to cold
Pope Francis held the traditional Angelus prayer in the chapel of his residence in the Vatican due to a cold. "I am sorry that I am not with you in the square, but I am feeling better," said the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church in a hoarse voice. Francis did not appear for the prayer at the window of the Apostolic Palace as usual, but in a live broadcast.
22.12.2024, 13:33
SDA
Francis has been suffering from a cold for several days. He himself described his appearance on Sunday in a live broadcast, which was shown on screens in St. Peter's Square, as a "precautionary measure". By not standing at an open window, he is trying to avoid temperature fluctuations. He had already prayed in the Santa Marta guest house in the Vatican last winter due to respiratory illnesses.
Pope expects a busy Christmas program
A busy schedule awaits the pontiff over the Christmas holidays. On Christmas Eve, Francis will not only hold Christmas mass in St. Peter's Basilica. The Holy Year of the Catholic Church also begins with the ceremonial opening of the Holy Door. Such jubilee years regularly only take place every 25 years. On Christmas Day, the pontiff then pronounces the traditional blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (roughly: "To the city and the world").
