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Reuters team
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis reappeared on Friday after chronic sciatic pain forced him to miss Church New Year religious services and made no mention of his illness in making his traditional call for world peace.
The pope was unable to attend services on Thursday and again on Friday morning because of sciatica – a relatively common problem that causes pain along the sciatic nerve, in the lower back and in the legs.
It is believed to be the first time since he became pope in 2013 that Francisco, who turned 84 last month, was prevented for health reasons from leading a major papal event.
However, he showed no sign of discomfort when giving a speech and prayer at noon, in a pulpit in the library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
“Life today is governed by war, by enmity, by many things that are destructive. We want peace. It’s a gift, ”said Francis, 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, have taught us how much it is necessary to take an interest in others’ problems and share their concerns,” he said.
The midday blessing is usually given from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, but has been moved inside to prevent any crowd from gathering and to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Francisco highlighted in particular his concerns about Yemen, which was affected by six years of violence that pitted a Saudi-led coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. At least 22 people died in an attack on Aden airport on Wednesday , which triggered a new round of coalition air strikes.
“I express my sadness and concern about the new escalation of violence in Yemen, which is causing countless innocent victims,” said Francis. “Let’s think about the children of Yemen, without education, without medicine, hungry.”