COVID-19: Pope cancels public recitation of Angelus prayer
Pope Francis will not recite the Angelus prayer on Boxing Day before thousands of pilgrims, as in the past, but instead will declaim it from the calm of a Vatican library, an adjustment in line with Italy’s COVID-19 restrictions.
The Vatican moved the location for Saturday’s noon-time (1100 GMT) prayer to the library in the Apostolic Palace, according to a statement from the Holy See.
Originally, the head of the Catholic Church had planned to pray to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, as is customary on Sundays.
In Italy, strict curfew restrictions apply over the Christmas holidays until the beginning of January, with the exception of four days (December 28 to 30 and January 4).
People are only supposed to leave their homes during this time to go to work, to the doctor’s, shopping, or to exercise on their own, making it difficult for believers to access St Peter’s Square.
Due to the restrictions, Francis had to give his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing in a smaller venue on Friday.
The Christmas Mass on Thursday also took place with a limited number of participants.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
England beat France 6-4 to win 2026 World Cup bronze
Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute.
Africa
Nigeria, Senegal pledge to revive joint commission
Mr Enikanolaiye described the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Senegal as excellent.
![U.S. Mission[Credit: X.com]](https://gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/images-78-3.jpeg)
World
U.S. issues security alert to Americans worldwide as Iran kills two soldiers
The U.S. government issued a warning to all Americans worldwide amid the escalating war against Iran.
Heading 3
Tinubu’s scorecard is 139 million Nigerians in poverty; he should resign, not seek re-election: ADC
“The evidence of 139 million people living in poverty and 17 million at risk of starvation is President Tinubu’s scorecard,” the party said.
Lagos
Lagos govt working to tackle flooding, says SSG
She said the government was assessing critical drainage channels and other vulnerable locations to strengthen ongoing flood control measures.
States
Three killed, four injured in Anambra road crash: FRSC
The FRSC said the accident occurred on Friday along the Nnobi–Agulu–Awka road.
