Pope gets stuck in Vatican elevator, freed by firefighters

Pope Francis spent 25 minutes in a stuck Vatican elevator Sunday until firefighters were able to free him.

The mishap kept Francis from arriving on time for his weekly prayer in St. Peter’s Square. He was a few minutes late for the traditional noon appointment. 

I have to apologize for being late, a smiling Pope said at the start of his address, the BBC reported.

He then asked the crowd for a round of applause for the firefighters,.

Francis explained there had been a “drop in voltage and the elevator stopped.”

Thank goodness, the fire officers arrived, and I thank them so much; and after 25 minutes of work they managed to get it started again, he said.

During the address, Francis said he would appoint ten new Roman Catholic cardinals next month.