Pope Francis has Painful Sciatica and is Unable to Preside at some Events but Continues with the Angelus Prayer

The Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis was be unable to preside over a series of appointments on Sunday and Monday, due to a recurrence of sciatica. He did however lead the Angelus prayer in the Library of the Apostolic Palace on Sunday at noon, as scheduled.

Statement by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, 23.01.2021

Due to the recurrence of sciatica, the celebration tomorrow morning at the Altar of the Chair of the Vatican Basilica will not be presided over by the Holy Father, but by His Excellency Mons. Rino Fisichella. The meeting with the Diplomatic Corps on Monday 25 January is postponed, while Vespers for the conclusion of the week of prayer for Christian unity in the Basilica of St. Paul will be presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch. However, Pope Francis will lead the Angelus prayer in the Library of the Apostolic Palace tomorrow at 12.00, as scheduled.

Source: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2021/01/23/0046/00093.html