Pope Francis faced a day of notable challenges as a very strong cold prevented him from reading the prepared speeches for several audiences on Thursday. Despite this, he was present at all the events that had been scheduled, underscoring his commitment to the engagements on the papal itinerary while his voice remained hushed and his energy tested by the illness.
In a moment of practical adaptation, the Pope explained to those assembled that he would rely on the translations already prepared for him. He said, I have to read all of this that you have in translation. But I can’t read because I’m sick: I have a cold and won’t let me speak. His remark reflected a candid approach to the situation, as he acknowledged the limitation while maintaining his customary connection with the crowds and the groups gathered for the occasion.
Vatican officials later confirmed that the Pope’s condition was a temporary setback rather than a cause for concern. He continued to engage with the participants by listening attentively and delegating the presentation of remarks to others, ensuring that the messages would still reach the audiences in full through written texts and translations. The episode, described as a bad cold by the Vatican, highlighted how even a leader of the Catholic Church must occasionally adjust plans to accommodate health, without diminishing the overall purpose of the meetings and the exchange of blessings and greetings with those present.
The same day, a delegation from the association Max Planck was scheduled to visit, and the Pope maintained a gracious presence. He greeted the members warmly, exchanged moments of reflection, and offered his encouragement, while avoiding extended verbal discourse in order to protect his voice. The exchange remained meaningful through the warmth of the encounter itself and the symbolism of shared aims, rather than through lengthy speeches, which could not be delivered in his current condition.
Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, the Pope presided over the Christmas celebrations, a solemn moment in the liturgical calendar. The ceremony occurred at the Basilica of Santa Sabina on Rome’s Aventine Hill, marking the beginning of Lent for some participants. Although mobility issues prevented him from taking part in the traditional parade, his leadership and presence were felt by attendees, faithful and dignitaries alike, as the rite carried forward with reverence and communal spirit even as the Pope navigated his limitations with grace and focus on the spiritual message at hand.