According to the official schedule published this week by the master of papal liturgical ceremonies, the 87-year-old pope will not have any public Masses for eight weeks in July and August.

The pope's current calendar has him taking a break from public liturgies from July 8 to Sept 1. Before that, he is expected to preside over at least three events on his liturgical schedule.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has opted for a busier summer schedule than his predecessors, making international trips, creating new cardinals, establishing new Church celebrations, and famously forgoing the traditional summer retreat to the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

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