Despite his breathing problems, the pope has been present at most of his scheduled meetings. He does not read many of the homilies and speeches but does not usually miss the appointment.
POPE FRANCIS
And now I apologize a little and ask the Master [of Liturgical Celebrations] to continue reading due to my difficulty in breathing.
In fact, with the Jubilee, public liturgical celebrations have increased. However, from March 9 to 14, the pontiff plans to rest. The reason is not physical but spiritual. These will be the days during which he will make spiritual exercises. He does them every year from the Sunday after Ash Wednesday.
The Holy See has confirmed the dates and that these spiritual exercises will be held at the Vatican. In the past, the pope used to leave Rome. And at the end he would address a few words of thanks to the preacher.
I want to thank you for the good you wanted to do for us.
Since 2020, with the pandemic, he began to hold them at the Vatican. This year, due to his mobility and health problems, he will not travel either, they will be held in the Paul VI Hall.
The heads of the curia are joining the pope in his spiritual hiatus, so, during that week, the public activity of the Vatican will be considerably reduced.
JH
