The Vatican has said Pope Francis, who is spending his fifth day in hospital will not take part in this weekend’s Holy Year events.
The Pope who was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14, has been suffering from a respiratory infection for more than a week.
In a statement, the Vatican said a public papal audience set for this Saturday has been cancelled due to the health condition of the pontiff.
The statement further disclosed that a papal Mass scheduled for Sunday, in St. Peter’s Basilica will still hold, but would be officiated by a senior Vatican official.
The 2025 Catholic Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee, is a special time of pardon and forgiveness for Catholics.
No fewer than 32 million tourists are expected to visit Rome throughout the year, which runs through to early next year.
