Pope to officiate in triad in residence, not in square due to cold

Pope Francis, who recently turned 88 years old, had a bad cold and officiated regular Sunday triad prayers at his residence, not from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

As a result, people gathered in St. Peter's Square on the 22nd local time watched the Pope officiate at the "House of Santa Marta" where he lived through a large screen.

Pope Francis said, "I'm sorry I can't be with you in the square," and described his condition as "gradually recovering, but taking precautions."

He also said, "I hope that coal will bring about a ceasefire on all fronts in Ukraine," and that he is "saddened to the children who were shot dead and bombed and schools and hospitals" regarding the war in Gaza.

Earlier, the Vatican said it had decided to officiate the triad at its residence in light of the cold weather in Rome and the Pope's busy schedule during the upcoming Christmas week.