Pope Francis is facing criticism because he rarely wears a face covering when meeting people even in enclosed spaces, with some prominent Catholics saying he should set an example as well as protect his health.
At a weekend meeting between the Pope and the Spanish Prime Minister in the Vatican, neither of them wore a mask during the public part of the event. Although Pedro Sanchez’s face was covered upon arriving at the Vatican, the two men and their aides were revealed right before and after the private meeting.
Last week, Francis wore a mask during a prayer in Rome – only the second time he was seen wearing a face covering.
The next day, his face was revealed to his weekly audience in the Vatican Ballroom. At the end of the audience, the Pope received six unmasked bishops, and they shook hands and spoke closely with each of them.