VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis says he was stuck for 25 minutes in a Vatican elevator and had to be rescued by firefighters.
Francis apologized to faithful in St. Peter's Square Sunday for showing up seven minutes late for his traditional noon appointment with the public.
Then Francis popped out and answered their question: "First of all I must excuse myself for being late. I was blocked in an elevator for 25 minutes."
Apparently referring to electrical power, Francis explained that there was a "drop in tension," causing the elevator to get stuck.
"Thank God the firefighters intervened," Francis said, referring to tiny Vatican City State's own fire department.
He then asked for a round of applause for his rescuers, and went ahead with his regular remarks and blessings, concluding with an announcement that he has chosen 13 churchmen to become the Church's newest cardinals.
The Vatican didn't say if the pope was alone in the elevator or accompanied by any of his aides.
