#On #February 27, #Pope #Francis, who is 84, canceled a scheduled mass for what the #Vatican press office described as a “slight imposition,” denying rumors that the #Pontiff could have contracted #Covid-19.
#He was later seen coughing, sneezing and speaking with a hoarse voice.
#Pope #Francis first revealed he had sciatica (herniation of spinal disk) during an inflight press conference while on a visit to #Brazil in 2013.
“The worst thing that happened — excuse me — was an attack of sciatica — really! — that I had the first month, because I was sitting in an armchair to do interviews and it hurt,” #Francis said at the time, when asked what the worst part of being the #Pope was. “#Sciatica is very painful, very painful! I don’t wish it on anyone!,” he added.
#On #August, 10, 2017, he announced he was able to deal with the condition. The #Vatican later confirmed the #Pope underwent treatment, including massages and injections twice a week to reduce the leg pain.
The #Pope will be replaced by #Cardinal #Giovanni #Battista #Re, #Dean of the #College of #Cardinals, for #Thursday afternoon’s year-end #Vespers service and #Mass on #New #Year’s #Day will be celebrated by #Cardinal #Secretary of #State #Pietro #Parolin. #Pope #Francis will still lead the #Angelus prayer on #Friday, as planned.
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https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/31/europe/pope-cancels-ny-service-intl/index.html
##Pope ##Francis ##Years ##Eve #masses #due #sciatic #pain