India
Vatican City – Pope Francis, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday, will lead the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer from the Santa Marta residence chapel this week, foregoing the usual address from the Apostolic Palace window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican announced on Saturday that the decision was made as a precaution due to the pope’s ongoing recovery from a severe cold and the chilly weather in Rome.
The pope’s adjustment to his schedule comes amidst a busy season of religious observances and heightened demands on his health. Despite his recent illness, Pope Francis managed to deliver his annual Christmas message to cardinals on Saturday, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his duties.
Francis, who has served as the head of the Catholic Church since 2013, has faced multiple health challenges over the years. At 21, he underwent surgery to remove part of one lung due to pleurisy, and in recent years, he has battled various respiratory illnesses. Earlier this year, the pope canceled a planned visit to the COP28 climate summit in Dubai due to flu and lung inflammation, further highlighting his vulnerability to respiratory ailments.
This isn’t the first time the pope has chosen Santa Marta as a venue for the Angelus prayer. In December last year, he conducted the prayer from his residence while recovering from a similar bout of flu. The Vatican’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding his health as he prepares for the Holy Year or Jubilee, beginning on Christmas Eve, December 24.
The Holy Year is a significant event for the Catholic Church, held every 25 years, and is expected to attract millions of pilgrims to Rome. It will commence with the opening of the bronze Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing the doorway of salvation for Catholics. This rare confluence of the Jubilee and Christmas services places additional demands on the pontiff’s already intense schedule.
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