Pope Francis fights with a cold: important Christmas dates are coming up!

Pope Francis fights with a cold: important Christmas dates are coming up!

Pope Francis had to shorten two significant public appearances due to a cold. On the occasion of his traditionally predestined Advent sermon, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church remained in his residence in the Vatican on Friday and left the sermon. In an early audience, Francis complained about the cold and looked short of breath, as the Ansa news agency reported. In the past few weeks, he had repeatedly noticed through health problems, which is particularly worrying because he has already had some operations and is often in a wheelchair. His state of health remains a central topic, especially in the upcoming Christmas season, such as Zeit.de

Traditional Angelus prayer via live transmission

For the traditional Angelus prayer, which is normally held in front of St. Peter's Square, the Pope also decided to carry out an alternative and expressed it from the chapel of his place of residence. "I'm sorry that I am not on the pitch with you, but I'm better," he said in a weak voice. This measure was called a "precaution" to avoid temperature fluctuations, since the Pope took similar steps last winter due to respiratory diseases. This reported oe24.at .

A strenuous program is now expecting Francis on the upcoming Christmas days. In addition to the Christmas mass in St. Peter's Basilica, the solemn opening of the Holy Pforte is heralded the Holy Year of the Catholic Church, which is only celebrated every 25 years. On the first Christmas day, he will announce the traditional blessing "Urbi et Orbi" when it comes to the world and the city. In view of his health problems, it remains to be seen how he will master these weighty festive tasks.