On February 27, Pope Francis, who is 84, canceled a scheduled mass for what the Vatican press office described as a ‘minor imposition’, denying rumors that Pope Covid-19 could contract.
He was later seen coughing, sneezing and speaking in a hoarse voice.
Pope Francis has revealed for the first time that he had sciatica (herniation of the spine) during a press conference during the visit to Brazil.
“The worst thing that happened – excuse me – was an attack of sciatica – really! – that I had the first month because I was sitting in an armchair doing interviews and it hurt,” Francis said at the time. said. , when asked what the worst part of the pope is. “Sciatica is very painful, very painful! I wish it on no one !,” he added.
On August 10, 2017, he announced that he could handle the condition. The Vatican later confirmed the pope was treated twice a week, including massages and injections to reduce leg pain.
The pope is being replaced by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, for Thursday afternoon’s cattle service at the end of the year and the Mass on New Year’s Day is celebrated by Cardinal Secretary Pietro Parolin. Pope Francis will continue to lead the Angelus prayer on Friday, as planned.