The Pope is suffering from a cold and will miss his usual outdoor Sunday prayers and instead celebrate indoors on Christmas Eve and a few days before midday mass, the Vatican announced Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff gave the blessing from his home in a chapel in the Vatican's Santa Marta district, citing cold weather and the pontiff's busy schedule during Christmas week.
The Pope typically addresses the nation on Sundays from a window in St. Peter's Basilica overlooking St. Peter's Square.
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Pope Francis exchanged seasonal greetings with Vatican officials on Saturday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Francis appeared crowded Saturday as he delivered his annual Christmas greetings to Vatican officials.
The 80-year-old has previously suffered from bronchitis, including being hospitalized last year, and missed a climate change conference in Dubai last year due to flu and lung inflammation.
The Pope is suffering from a cold and will miss his usual outdoor Sunday prayers and instead celebrate indoors on Christmas Eve and a few days before midday mass, the Vatican announced Saturday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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The Pope developed pleurisy in his 20s and was forced to have part of his lung removed in his native Argentina.
The Pope typically addresses the nation on Sundays from a window in St. Peter's Basilica overlooking St. Peter's Square. (Riccardo De Luca/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Christmas Eve also marks the beginning of the Vatican's Jubilee Year, and approximately 32 million pilgrims are expected to head to Rome throughout 2025.
The Pope will open the Holy Doors of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve and will be at Rome's main prison on December 26th, where he will celebrate the beginning of the Jubilee.
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The Jubilee Year, also known as the Jubilee Year, is usually held every 25 years.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
