Pope Francis has contracted a cold and will be skipping his usual outdoor Sunday prayer to give the blessing indoors just days before his Christmas Eve and Day Masses. The 88-year-old pontiff, known for addressing the public from the window of St. Peter’s Basilica, will instead give the blessing from his residence at the chapel of the Vatican’s Santa Marta quarters. Chilly weather and a busy Christmas week schedule were cited as reasons for the change in location. The pope, who sounded congested during his annual Christmas greeting to Vatican bureaucrats, has a history of health issues, including bronchitis, pleurisy in his 20s, and having part of his lungs removed in his native Argentina.
Last year, the pope missed a climate change meeting in Dubai due to the flu and lung inflammation, and his health concerns have caused him to forego his usual Sunday prayer. Despite his ailments, Pope Francis is preparing for Christmas Eve, which marks the beginning of the Vatican’s Holy Year, with around 32 million pilgrims expected to visit Rome throughout 2025. The pope will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve and, on December 26th, will inaugurate the start of the Holy Year at Rome’s main prison. The Holy Year, also known as the Jubilee, is typically held every 25 years and is significant in the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis has faced health challenges throughout his life, including bronchitis last year that led to hospitalization. He also suffered from pleurisy in his 20s, which required part of his lungs to be removed. Despite these health concerns, the pontiff remains committed to his duties, including giving annual blessings and overseeing important events like the Vatican’s Holy Year. The pope’s dedication to his role has led to speculation about his health and the impact of his ailments on his ability to carry out his duties effectively.
The Vatican has announced that President Joe Biden will be heading to Vatican City next month to meet with Pope Francis during his final overseas trip. This meeting is expected to be significant given the close relationship between Pope Francis and President Biden. The pope’s health issues, including his recent cold, have raised concerns about his ability to engage with world leaders like President Biden. Nevertheless, the meeting is seen as an important opportunity for the two leaders to discuss issues such as climate change, social justice, and global peace.
Despite his health setbacks in the past, Pope Francis continues to play a significant role within the Catholic Church and on the global stage. His commitment to tackling important issues such as climate change, social justice, and global peace reflects his dedication to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church. As the Vatican’s Holy Year approaches and millions of pilgrims prepare to visit Rome, Pope Francis remains focused on his duties and responsibilities. While his health may pose challenges, the pope’s determination to carry out his duties suggests that he will continue to serve as an influential figure within the Catholic Church for years to come.
