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World News
Reuters staff
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis reappeared on Friday after chronic sciatic pain forced him to miss Church New Year services and made no mention of his ailment as he delivered his traditional call for world peace.
The pope was unable to attend services Thursday and again on Friday morning due to sciatica, a relatively common problem that causes pain along the sciatic nerve in the lower back and legs.
It was believed to be the first time since he became pope in 2013 that Francis, who turned 84 last month, was unable for health reasons to lead a major papal event.
However, he showed no signs of discomfort when he delivered a speech and prayer at noon, standing before a lectern in the library of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
“Today’s life is governed by war, by enmity, by many things that are destructive. We want peace. It’s a gift, ”Francis said, adding that the response to the global coronavirus crisis showed the importance of burden sharing.
“The painful events that marked humanity’s journey last year, especially the pandemic, taught us how much it is necessary to take an interest in the problems of others and share their concerns,” he said.
The noon blessing is normally given from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, but it was moved inside to prevent crowds from gathering and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Francis in particular highlighted his concerns about Yemen, which has been marred by six years of violence that has pitted a Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. At least 22 people were killed in an attack on the Aden airport on Wednesday, prompting a new round of coalition airstrikes.
“I express my regret and concern at the further escalation of violence in Yemen, which is causing many innocent victims,” Francis said. “Let’s think about the children of Yemen, without education, without medicine, hungry.”
