UCA News
Contribute

Pope to skip liturgies due to painful sciatica, Vatican says

Pope Francis has spoken in the past about the physical pain he suffers due to the condition
Pope to skip liturgies due to painful sciatica, Vatican says

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re celebrates First Vespers and Te Deum, the rite of thanksgiving for the end of the year, in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican City, on December 31 2020. Pope Francis will be unable to celebrate New Year's masses Thursday evening and Friday morning at St Peter's Basilica because he is suffering from sciatica, the Vatican announced. (FABIO FRUSTACI / POOL / AFP)

Published: January 01, 2021 03:49 AM GMT
Updated: January 01, 2021 03:50 AM GMT

Pope Francis will not preside over the traditional end-of-the-year prayer service nor the New Year's Mass in St. Peter's Basilica due to "painful sciatica," the Vatican said.

In a statement published Dec. 31, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said that instead, Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the evening prayer and the singing of the "Te Deum" to thank God for the year that is ending.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, will preside over the Jan. 1 Mass for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day at the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica, he said.

However, Bruni confirmed that "Pope Francis will still lead the recitation of the Angelus from the library of the Apostolic Palace, as scheduled" Jan. 1.

The pope has suffered for several years from sciatica which, according to the Mayo Clinic, can cause sharp pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from the lower back through the hips and down each leg.

Pope Francis has spoken in the past about the physical pain he suffers due to the condition.

Speaking to journalists during his return flight from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July 2013, the pope described an attack of sciatica he suffered during the first month of his papacy as "the worst thing that happened."

"Sciatica is very painful, very painful! I don't wish it on anyone!" he told the reporters.

Then in the summer of 2017, the Catholic magazine Famiglia Cristiana reported that the pope's personal doctor recommended he receive regular massages and injections twice a week to reduce the pain caused by the condition.

Pope Francis celebrated his 84th birthday Dec. 17 and has rarely canceled or missed events due to health.

Before Italy's nationwide COVID-19 lockdown in March, Pope Francis was suffering from what the Vatican said was a normal cold. He canceled a Mass Feb. 27 with priests of the Diocese of Rome and postponed other large public events and large-group meetings. However, he kept other commitments, meeting and shaking hands with people at smaller meetings throughout the day and weekend.

On March 1 the pope told pilgrims gathered for his Sunday Angelus that with the cold persisting he would be unable to attend the annual Lenten retreat March 1-6 with Curia officials.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia