Pope's New Year Message: "Wishing Peace and Tranquility in the New Year"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Pope Francis skipped the year-end and New Year's Masses and released an online message wishing for peace and tranquility in the new year.

According to the Associated Press, on January 1 (local time), during the New Year's Angelus prayer held at the Apostolic Palace, the Pope said, "I send all blessings for peace and tranquility in the new year."

The Pope continued, "The painful events that stained humanity's life last year, especially the pandemic, taught us how necessary it is to show concern for others' problems and share their worries."

St. Peter's Square in the Vatican is completely empty on the 1st. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

The Angelus prayer held that day was broadcast online in accordance with quarantine regulations due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Due to leg pain, the Pope did not preside over the year-end Mass on December 31 last year nor the New Year's Mass on this day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.