Pope Francis missed New Year’s service in St. Peter’s Basilica due to poor health … This was reported by ANSA citing the Holy See’s press service.
It is noted that the pontiff worsened pain in his back and legs due to inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
Instead of the Pope, the evening service was conducted by the dean of the Cardinal College, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. He gave a papal sermon in which he expressed his gratitude to all the medical professionals and volunteers who have been actively involved in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier chapter Catholic Church Francis announced about mass absolution in connection with the global epidemic of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The Pontiff announced the coming year – until December 8, 2021 – the year of Saint Joseph, the husband of the Mother of God, exactly 150 years ago, declared the patron saint of the Catholic Church. According to him, this is especially true during the months of the pandemic, since many people sacrificed much during the crisis to protect their neighbors, and their victims seemed to go unnoticed.