Pope Francisescu for the first time wears a mask in public

Pope Francis laid a mask for the first time today, while serving the world's peace mass with other religious leaders.

The pope wore a white mask on the Roman Basilica St. Maria. Previously, he wore a mask only in the car he used to travel to Sunday's audience in the Vatican.

He found himself in the target of criticism, especially in social networks, as he did not wear a mask in his general audience and occasionally came into relatively close contact with visitors.

Francescu, 83, was in Mass with other Christian leaders in the Basilica, including Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians.

Pope Francis removed the mask as he spoke before the move, as did other religious leaders, but returned it as soon as he completed the speech.