The annual 'Advent Sermon' took place in a much more open space: Paul VI Hall.
This allowed the social distancing to be respected and, in addition to the Curia, Vatican employees were able to attend.
Pope Francis was present and like the rest of the participants, he wore the mask. Normally he takes it off to preside over events but in this case the preacher was someone else. It was Raniero Cantalamessa, the recently appointed cardinal.
CARD. RANIERO CANTALAMESSA
Preacher to the Pontifical Household
Holy Father, venerable fathers, brothers and sisters. An Italian poet, Giuseppe Ungaretti, describes the mood of the soldiers in the trenches during World War I with a poem made up of only a few words: 'It feels like leaves on autumn trees.' Today, the whole humanity experiences this sense of expiration.'
The 'Advent Sermon' takes place every Friday of the four weeks prior to Christmas.
Traditionally, the pope and his collaborators attend this Advent gathering in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel, inside the Apostolic Palace.
Only time will tell if from now on it will always be held in this new location.
Javier Romero
Translation: Christian Campos
