Pope Francis is making changes to his Christmas celebration plans after two cardinals close to him tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a statement from the Vatican on Tuesday, 22 December 2020, Pope Francis will deliver his Christmas Day indoors. The change is important after two cardinals that work with him tested positive for the virus.
Before now, the pope delivers his “Urbi and Orbi” (To the City and The World) message from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on December 25.
However, things are changing this Christmas and the pope himself is adhering to the tough restrictions put in place in Italy concerning the holidays.
In addition, he will recite the Angelus prayer from the library on 26th and 27th December and 1st, 3rd and 6th January. Also, Christmas Eve mass on 24th December will come earlier. This will enable believers to get home before the 10:00 PM curfew.
See also: Papa Noel, Spanish Santa Claus goes virtual to save Christmas
Meanwhile, the two cardinals that tested positive for the virus are;
Polish cardinal Konrad Krajewski, who is in charge of the pope’s charities and who is fondly called “Robin Hood”. The 57-year-old showed pneumonia symptoms and is currently in the hospital.
Italian cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, 78, is the other cardinal that tested positive for COVID-19. He is the president of the governorate – effectively the chief executive – of the state of Vatican City.
Pope Francis who is 84 is popular for getting physical with believers when meeting them. He is also considered high-risk because of his age and history of lung problems. Additionally, he meets regularly with the two cardinals mentioned above.
As the Pope himself his changing his Christmas plans; share with us how you will be celebrating yours in the comment section.
