Pope Francis says he has a bad cold

In an audience this morning with members of the Italian Bocce Federation, Pope Francis said he is suffering from a cold, according to news agencies. ANSA and EFE.

“Forgive me, but I have a very cold,” the Holy Father apologized with a tired voice and heavy breathing during the meeting in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican on December 20.

Despite these symptoms, Pope Francis was able to address a few words to the members of the federation of this sport of which, he assured, “he is very fond of.”

The Holy Father highlighted the simplicity of the sport of bocce — also known as petanque — a game “a little old-fashioned,” but rich in humanity.

He stated that he also feels sympathy for this sport because it is played in society and proposes a “social friendship.”

Finally, he congratulated them “because they carry out this alternative sport against the great machinery of the business sports, an inclusive sport, that still tastes of ‘game’ and good company,” he concluded.

At the General Audience last Wednesday, December 11, Pope Francis showed signs of a cold. With a light and visibly affected tone of voice, she gave her usual catechism to the pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square.

However, during his visit to Corsica on Sunday, December 15, he appeared to be in good health, although for the first time in his Pontificate he declined to hold the usual press conference on the plane back to Rome.

Tomorrow, December 21, the traditional Christmas meeting with the members of the Roman Curia and the Christmas greeting to Vatican employees are planned.

Next Tuesday, December 24, he will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Jubilee of Hope, and that same day he will celebrate Mass on the night of the Nativity.

On December 25, Christmas Day, he will give his message The city and the world and on the 26th he plans to open the Holy Door of the Roman prison of Rebibbia.