Pope Francis to Skip New Year’s Services, Blames Sciatic Nerve Problems Amid Vatican Coronavirus Case Reports

Pope Francis will not be presiding over the New Year’s Eve vespers or New Year’s Day Mass due to what the Vatican press office called a “painful sciatica” problem. The pope has previously battled pain issues, but it is highly unusual for him to cancel an event. The press office said he would preside over the shorter Jan. 1 Angelus prayer from his study window over St. Peter’s Square.