Watch: As Pope Francis Mulls Retirement, Maltese Altar Boys Receive Personal Blessings In Vatican
A group of altar boys from Malta and Gozo prayed with and recieved the Pope’s blessing in a meeting on Sunday.
The boys met Pope Francis in his residence in Dar Santa Marta. They had the opportunity to give service in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and were able to meet the Catholic Pontiff for a private meeting.
During the meeting. the Pope asked the Maltese boys to pray for him and his mission, and closed by praying together with the boys and then blessing them.
The annual visit by Maltese altar boys happens every August – however, some are wondering if this is Pope Francis’ last meeting with the Maltese boys.
Pope Francis appeared in a wheelchair, having just returned from his Apostolic mission in Canada.
Among the faithful, may noticed the Pope was in clear pain as he manoeuvred in his wheelchair.
Waves were made among the global Catholic community after the Pope, who is 85 years old, said he could no longer travel like he used to due to his strained knee ligaments.
He stressed that there was nothing wrong with a pope stepping down, telling reporters: “It’s not strange. It’s not a catastrophe. You can change the pope.”
“I think at my age and with these limitations, I have to save [my energy] to be able to serve the church, or on the contrary, think about the possibility of stepping aside,” he said.
Do you think Pope Francis will remain in his role for much longer?
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