Instead, the Pope, who is recovering from throat surgery, sent out a brief message which was read out by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at St Peter's Basilica before the Chrismal, or Holy Thursday mass.
"In spirit, I join all of you who are gathered in the Vatican basilica for the celebrations of the solemn holy Chrismal mass. From my apartment through television, I am spiritually amongst you, my beloved," the pope said.
On Wednesday, a brief silent appearance by the visibly ailing 84-year-old pontiff at his apartment window heightened concerns about his health, despite Vatican attempts to downplay such fears.
"I don't believe that the situation is alarming," a senior Italian cardinal told journalists Wednesday after the one-minute appearance by the pope at his window, which overlooks St Peter's Square.
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