The Holy See Press Office announced substantial changes to Francis’ schedule.
Newsroom (02/25/2022 09:54, Gaudium Press) The Vatican announced today, Friday 25, that Pope Francis will no longer attend an international forum with bishops and mayors, refugee and homeless families in Florence, Italy, next Sunday due to doctor-prescribed rest for knee pain.
According to the Vatican, the pope will also be unable to attend the traditional procession on Rome’s Aventine Hill and Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina on Ash Wednesday.
“Due to acute gonalgia, for which his doctor has prescribed a period of more rest for his leg, Pope Francis will not be able to travel to Florence on Sunday, Feb. 27, or preside over Ash Wednesday celebrations on March 2,” the Holy See press office reported.
These are not the only last-minute cancellations taking place. The head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav Shevchuk Church planned to attend the meeting in Florence. However, he has decided to stay in his home country due to the Russian invasion: “the current situation requires my presence in the country.”, he commented.
With information from Vatican News.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
