He Pope Francis, 87, canceled his participation in the Via Crucis at the last minute this Friday at Colosseum of Romein the context of Concern about his weakened health.
“To preserve his health in preparation for tomorrow’s vigil and Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis will follow the Colosseum’s Stations of the Cross from the Santa Marta Residence.”the Vatican announced in a statement.
After the announcement, a few seconds before the ceremony began, organizers removed the pope’s chair, which stood on a hill in front of the Colosseum.
The Argentine Jesuit also canceled his participation in this rite in 2023 for health reasons.But The Vatican had already reported on this last year that the Pope would not attend because he was recovering from a hospital stay for bronchitis.
The traditional one The Way of the Cross on Good Friday in the Colosseum is one of the most important dates in the Catholic Church calendar and thousands of believers from numerous countries, many with candles, gathered in silence to witness this Holy Week rite.
Jorge Bergoglio suffers from several health problems and underwent abdominal surgery in 2023has chronic knee problems and has suffered several iRespiratory tract infections in the last few months.