Press Briefing: Pope Francis living simple life in Domus Santa Marta

(Vatican Radio) The Holy See Press Office held a briefing on Friday afternoon, where the Director, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, continued to provide as much information as possible about Pope Francis, and his activities.

Summaries were given of the Pope’s homily on Thursday evening and speech to the cardinals on Friday morning.

More details on the way Pope Francis is living the papacy emerged: At the Domus Santa Marta, the Pope just sits where there is a place available in the dining hall. He concelebrated Mass in the Domus Santa Marta Friday morning with several of the Cardinals, and he gave a homily without a prepared text.

It was confirmed that on Wednesday evening, Pope Francis called the Apostolic Nuncio in Argentina to tell him to tell the people of the country not to come to the Installation Mass, and to use the money to help the poor. The Nuncio also informed Father Lombardi that many people of Argentina are going to confession for the first time in many years.

It was also confirmed that Pope Francis will not be able to take possession of his Cathedral, the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, until after Easter. Therefore, the Mass of the Last Supper will this year take place in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Listen to the English-language portions of the press briefing: