Originally published at National Catholic Register
The Vatican announced late Saturday that due to inclement weather and cold symptoms, Pope Francis will lead the Sunday Angelus prayer from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis delivered two Christmas messages at the Vatican on Saturday, warning against gossip’s “destructive effects” while celebrating the importance of family life and humble service.
“An ecclesial community lives in joyful and fraternal harmony to the extent that its members walk in the way of humility, refusing to think and speak ill of one another,” the Pope said in his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia on Dec. 21.
The Pope warned that gossip “damages social bonds, poisons hearts, and leads nowhere,” as he addressed cardinals and senior Vatican officials. He urged them to practice self-accusation rather than accusation of others, drawing on the teachings of early Christian spiritual masters.
The Vatican announced late Saturday that due to inclement weather and cold symptoms that manifested in recent days, Pope Francis will lead the Sunday Angelus prayer from the chapel of Casa Santa Marta rather than the usual Apostolic Palace window, also in view of next week’s commitments.
