THE Pope Francisco ended the year participating in a cult this Friday (31), in which he praised those who responded to the Covid-19 pandemic with responsibility and solidarity, instead of an attitude of “every man for himself”.
The pope did not preside over the service as expected, leaving it to a senior Vatican cardinal. The Vatican has not explained why the change was made, which apparently happened at the last minute, as the ritual’s program said that the 85-year-old Francis should preside.
Francis, who entered unaided and appeared to be in good condition, used a white chair beside him, sitting for most of the service. Later, he took the podium and read his homily without apparent difficulty.
Last year, Francisco had to be absent from work because of a bout of sciatica causing pain in his leg.
To preside would require standing, kneeling, and holding aloft a ward, a heavy golden vessel used to hold the communion wafer during Vespers.
The pandemic aggravated people’s presence during the year-end ceremonies and forced the pope to cancel his traditional visit to the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square later on. The Vatican announced this change on Thursday, saying it was to prevent a crowd from gathering.
In his homily, Francisco said that the pandemic has made many feel lost and that in some cases “the temptation of each man for himself” has spread.
“But we got up again with a sense of responsibility,” he said.
Italy reported a record 144,243 coronavirus cases this Friday, and has recently imposed new restrictions, including the use of outdoor masks.
Francis, who is also bishop of Rome, used his homily to lament the decay of the Italian capital. For several years, the Romans have lived with a garbage collection crisis and overflowing dumps, mainly in residential areas. Herds of wild boar have invaded some neighborhoods to feast on garbage.
“Rome is a wonderful city that never fails to delight. But for those who live here, unfortunately it is not always worthy”, said Francisco.
Reference: CNN Brasil
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