Pope attends Te Deum but does not preside

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 31 - Pope Francis on Friday attended the traditional end of year Te Deum prayers in St Peter-s Basilica but did not preside over the rite as usual, the Vatican said.
    The Vatican did not give a reason for the pope taking a step back.
    Last year Francis skipped the celebration altogether due to a bout of sciatica.
    The pope-s New Year-s Eve visit to the Nativty Scene or presepe in St Peter-s Square, which usually follows the Te Deum, was scrapped this year due to fears of crowds spreading the coronavirus. (ANSA).