Pope Francis Suffers from Cold, Will Deliver Indoor Sunday Blessing Ahead of Busy Christmas Schedule

Pope Francis is battling a cold and will deliver his Sunday blessing indoors, according to the Vatican. This precaution comes ahead of a busy Christmas season and the launch of the Holy Year, which will challenge his stamina and health. The Vatican cited cold weather and a demanding week for Francis, who sounded congested during his annual Christmas greeting to Vatican staff.

Francis, who turned 88 recently, has a packed schedule. On Tuesday, he will inaugurate the Holy Year and lead Christmas Eve and Day celebrations at St. Peter's Basilica. He is also set to visit Rome's main prison on Thursday to open the Jubilee there. Francis has had bronchitis bouts in winter and was hospitalized in 2023 for intravenous antibiotics. He had part of a lung removed as a young man and often appears breathless after exertion.

Criticism of Gossip

During his annual Christmas address to Vatican bureaucrats, Francis took time to catch his breath. He used this occasion to criticize gossip among his closest collaborators, urging them to speak well of each other. "A church community lives in joyful and fraternal harmony to the extent that its members walk in the life of humility, renouncing evil thinking and speaking ill of others," he stated.

Francis emphasized that gossip harms social life and sickens hearts. "Gossip is an evil that destroys social life, sickens people's hearts and leads to nothing. The people say it very well: Gossip is zero," he added. His annual address has become a lesson in humility for Vatican priests, bishops, and cardinals, highlighting workplace sins at the Catholic Church headquarters.

Addressing Workplace Concerns

In previous addresses, Francis has criticized Vatican prelates for using their positions for power and wealth. In 2014, he listed "15 ailments of the Curia," accusing them of living double lives due to "spiritual Alzheimer's." In 2022, he warned about an "elegant demon" among them with rigid faith practices. This year, he revisited gossiping as a theme, referencing toxic atmospheres in closed environments like the Vatican.

Francis encourages open debates and welcomes criticism but urges critics to speak directly to him rather than behind his back. He began his address with a reminder about the war in Gaza, noting that even his patriarch couldn't enter due to Israeli bombing. "Yesterday children have been bombed. This is cruelty; this is not war," he said.

A Gentler Message for Lay Employees

After addressing prelates, Francis spoke more gently to lay employees gathered with their families in the audience hall. He thanked them for their service and encouraged them to spend time with their children and visit grandparents. "If you have any particular problems, tell your bosses; we want to resolve them," he said, emphasizing dialogue over silence.

This message seemed directed at growing unease within the Vatican workforce highlighted by the Association of Vatican Lay Employees. The association has raised concerns about the Vatican pension system's health and potential cost-cutting measures. Earlier this year, 49 Vatican Museums employees filed a class-action lawsuit over labor issues.

The annual address marks the start of Francis' busy Christmas schedule, intensified by the Holy Year's commencement on Christmas Eve. The Jubilee is expected to attract around 32 million pilgrims to Rome in 2025, adding more events for Francis to manage.