The Vatican on Tuesday said Pope Francis, who is spending his fifth day in hospital for what doctors described as a complex respiratory infection, will not take part in this weekend’s Holy Year events.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that the pope has been suffering from a respiratory infection for more than a week and was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14.
In a brief statement, the Vatican said a public papal audience set for this Saturday has been cancelled due to the health condition of the Holy Father.
It added that a papal Mass scheduled for Sunday, in St. Peter’s Basilica will take place but will be led by a senior Vatican official.
DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports that the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee, runs through to early next year.
It is a special time of pardon and forgiveness for Catholics and the Vatican expects 32 million tourists to visit Rome throughout the year, including for a range of special audiences with the pontiff.
