Vatican City: Pope Francis explained on Saturday he is forgoing his public appearances from the window overlooking St. Peter's Square to do his part in minimizing crowding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The day after Christmas would usually find thousands of people flocking to the square to catch the pope's noontime appearance, remarks and blessing and admire the Vatican's towering holiday tree.
Instead, Francis delivered his blessing from the library of the Apostolic Palace, acknowledging that faithful had to resort to digital media to follow him.
"We have to do it this way to avoid having people coming to the square,'' Francis said.