Pope Francis on Friday attended the
traditional end of year Te Deum prayers in St Peter-s Basilica
but did not preside over the rite as usual, the Vatican said.
The Vatican did not give a reason for the pope taking a step
back.
Last year Francis skipped the celebration altogether due to a
bout of sciatica.
The pope-s New Year-s Eve visit to the Nativty Scene or presepe
in St Peter-s Square, which usually follows the Te Deum, was
scrapped this year due to fears of crowds spreading the
coronavirus.
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