Pope Francis has decided to cancel a traditional pre-Christmas celebration for Roman Catholics starting December 8 at the Spanish Steps due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease.

The Pope customarily places a wreath of flowers at the base of a 12-metre column bearing a statue of the Madonna and blesses from a distance another wreath already using a ladder.

The Vatican said that Francis will not be doing the ceremony in order to avoid the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.

Thousands of devotees usually attend the traditional event to see the Holy See.

Pope Francis, however, will hold a private service. Access to the Pope’s other Christmas activities like the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing and message will also be restricted.

Limited persons will be allowed to enter the St. Peter’s Basilica for papal Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses.

The events will be streamed on television and on the Internet.