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Pope Francis closed 2021 with the Vespers Mass, where he praised those who participated in the fight against the pandemic with responsibility and solidarity rather than taking a stand for themselves.
The Pope did not celebrate the Mass himself, as expected, leaving that task to a high-ranking Vatican cardinal. The Vatican did not explain why the change was made, apparently at the last minute because the schedule indicated that the 85-year-old Francis would preside.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church entered the church unassisted and appeared to be in good health. He attended most of the service sitting down and then went up to the pulpit where he read his speech without any apparent difficulty.
Last year, Francis did not attend the service because he suffered from sciatica. The pandemic also cast its shadow on this mass, the so-called Te Deum, which was attended by several hundred people inside St. Peter's Basilica.
Because of Covid-19, the pontiff also had to cancel his visit to the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square immediately afterwards.
According to the Vatican, this decision was taken to avoid large crowds gathering at the site. In his speech, Francis said because of the pandemic many felt lost and in some cases were tempted to care for themselves. But we have risen again with a sense of responsibility, he added."
Source: CNA
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