The Pope has presided over the Saturday-night Easter Vigil service at the Vatican a day after skipping the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum as a health precaution. Pope Francis entered St Peter's Basilica in his wheelchair, took his place in a chair and offered up the opening prayer. Sounding congested and out of breath at times, the pontiff blessed an Easter candle, the flame of which was then shared with other candles in the cathedral.
The Vatican had said Francis skipped the Good Friday procession to ensure his participation in both the vigil service on Saturday night, which usually lasts for about two hours, and Easter Sunday Mass a few hours later. The 87-year-old has been battling respiratory problems all winter that have made it difficult for him to speak at length. The Vatican has said he has had bronchitis, a cold or the flu.
Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: TIME - 🏆 93. / 53 Read more »