A statement from the Holy See news agency explains that the celebrations continue as usual and that Pope Francis will pray the Angelus on New Year’s Day as always.
By the writer of the Vatican News staff
Pope Francis will not preside over the end of the year vespers and the solemn chanting of the Te Deum tonight, December 31, in St. Peter’s Basilica, or during the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God on January 1. to “painful sciatica.”
A statement from the Holy See news agency states that the traditional end-of-year celebration on Thursday evening will be chaired by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, while the Mass will be celebrated on New Year’s Day by Cardinal Secretary of State. Pietro Parolin.
However, Pope Francis will pray the Angelus from the Apostolic Library and address the faithful on January 1, 2021 at noon.