Pope remains absent again: hope for video transmission dwindles

Pope remains absent again: hope for video transmission dwindles

Vatican City, March 1, 2025 - In a worrying sign for Pope Francis' health situation, there will be no live broadcast of his Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square this Sunday for the third time in a row. Previous news from the Vatican had already dampened anticipation when it was reported that the 88-year-old's health had been stabilized, but that no in-person appearance would take place, as kathpress reported.

Despite the setbacks, the Vatican plans to disseminate in writing the texts prepared by the Pope on biblical interpretation as well as his appeals on current topics. This was already practiced in the previous two weeks. Every Sunday, tens of thousands of believers typically gather in St. Peter's Square to see and hear the Pope. In the past, Francis had spoken to pilgrims several times in similar situations via video transmission. Domradio reported that the traditional message of the Angelus, pointing to the incarnation of Christ, will continue to be powerfully broadcast to the world through the ringing of church bells at the usual times of 6 a.m., 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

While the world closely monitors the health of its leader, it remains unclear when Francis will be present in person again. The situation raises questions and increases concerns about the condition of the pontiff, who has been known in the past as a tireless pastor. The supporters hope that appearances will be possible again soon and that the Pope can announce his messages directly. The developments surrounding Pope Francis are at the center of the faith life of many and his continued absence casts a shadow over the next few weeks in the Vatican.

For more details on this topic you can visit the coverage kathpress as well as cathedral radio read.