Pope Francis at vespers service of prayer

Pope Francis did not preside over the New Year's Eve prayer service in Saint Peter's Basilica as had been announced by the Vatican, but he did attend the ceremony.

The Vatican did not immediately explain the change.

In an unusual move for Francis, who is 85, he donned a surgical mask for the Vespers service of prayer and hymns Friday evening as he sat in an armchair.

During the pandemic, the pontiff has mainly appeared in public without a mask.

When he arrived in the basilica, Francis walked over to greet Rome's new mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.

In the past, Francis has done a walkabout in Saint Peter's Square after the service to view the Christmas nativity scene and wave to Romans, tourists and pilgrims, often shaking hands.

But on Thursday, the Vatican, citing the surge of COVID-19 infections in Italy, announced that Francis would not venture out into the square after the New Year's Eve service.

IMAGE: AP