Pope Francis to lead Sunday prayers from residence due to heavy cold
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Pope Francis turned 88 on Dec 17 and had suffered bouts of ill health in recent years.
PHOTO: REUTERS
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, who has been suffering from a heavy cold, will lead the regular Sunday Angelus prayers from his residence as a precaution, the Vatican said in a statement on Dec 21.
The decision was taken in view of cold weather in Rome and the Pope’s commitments in the days leading up to Christmas, it added.
Pope Francis turned 88 on Dec 17 and had suffered bouts of ill health in recent years.
He complained of the effect of the cold during an audience on Dec 20, but earlier on Dec 21, he was well enough to deliver his annual Christmas address to cardinals.
The Pope will deliver the Angelus on Dec 22 from the chapel of the Vatican’s Santa Marta quarters where he lives, rather than addressing pilgrims from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square. REUTERS
