The press office of the Holy See announces that Pope Francis will not be able to preside over a series of appointments on Sunday and Monday due to the reiteration of sciatica.
By Vatican News staff reporter
Pope Francis will not preside over several celebrations on Sunday and Monday, according to a statement issued by Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See’s press office.
These include the Sunday Mass of the Word of God in St. Peter’s Basilica, which will be presided over by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.
However, he will address the Angelus prayer in the Library of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday at noon, as planned.
On Monday, the Pope was due to meet with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, but the meeting has been postponed.
Nor will he preside over the Vespers for the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in St. Paul’s Basilica. The event will continue as planned and will be chaired by Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.
In his statement released Saturday evening, Mr Bruni said the changes were due to the Pope suffering a sciatica attack.