A statement from the Holy See’s press office explained that the holidays would continue as usual and that Pope Francis would pray to Angelus on New Year’s Day as usual.
By Vatican News staff writer
Pope Francis will not preside over the end of the Vespers and the solemn singing of Te Deum this evening, December 31, in St. Peter’s Basilica, or at the Holy Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God on January 1, with “painful sciatica.”
A statement from the Holy See’s Press Office said the traditional end-of-year celebration on Thursday night would be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, while the New Year’s Liturgy would be celebrated by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.
However, Pope Francis will pray to Angelus in the Apostolic Library and address the faithful at noon on January 1, 2021.