By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY, (Reuters) – Pope Francis celebrated the end of the year at a vespers ceremony on Friday. He praised all those who responded to COVID-19 with solidarity and responsibility rather than an “every one for himself” attitude.

As was expected, the pope didn’t preside over the ceremony. He left that responsibility to a senior Vatican cardinal.

Although the Vatican didn’t explain the reason, it was a sudden change because of the fact that the ceremony program indicated Francis (85) was to be the presider.

Francis, who appeared unassisted, walked straight in and was in great condition. He sat in a chair at his side for the most part of the service.

He then walked to a podium where he read his homily without any apparent difficulties.

Francis was unable to attend the last year’s service due to a severe sciatica injury that caused him pain in his legs.

Preparing would require standing up, kneeling down, and holding a monstrance. This is a container made from heavy gold that holds the communion host during vespers.

At the service the pandemic was prominent. There were several hundred people who could not enter St. Peter’s Basilica to participate in the year-end thanksgiving ceremony known as “Te Deum”, but that limit was lifted.

COVID-19 made it impossible for the pope not to go to St. Peter’s Square to see the Nativity Scene. It was announced by the Vatican on Thursday that this change had been made in order to keep a crowd from gathering.

Francis stated that the pandemic caused people to feel helpless and in some cases, “a temptation for every person” had been established.

“But, we rose up again in a sense responsibility,” he stated.

Italy reported https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-reports-record-144243-coronavirus-cases-155-deaths-2021-12-31 a record 144,243 coronavirus related cases on Friday and has recently imposed new restrictions, including wearing masks outdoors.

Francis, the bishop of Rome and Rome Mayor Roberto Gualteri was behind him. He also used his homily for lamenting the decrepit capital of Italy.

Romans live with an overflowing garbage bin and a trash collection problem for many years. Herds of wild boars https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/wild-boars-invade-rome-mayoral-election-race-2021-09-23 have invaded some neighbourhoods to feast on the rubbish.

Rome is a beautiful city. It never ceases to amaze. Francis explained that the city isn’t always quite dignified for its residents.