Caracas.- Pope Francis has decided not to take part in the Via Crucis this Friday evening at the Colosseum in Rome “to preserve his health for tomorrow’s vigil and the Mass on Easter Sunday,” the Vatican said. He took part in the Easter Triduum in St. Peter’s Basilica in the afternoon. The Pope followed the meditations from home.
At five o’clock in the afternoon, Francis led the services of this Good Friday in San Pedro. He entered already wearing red liturgical vestments and took part in the first procession in a wheelchair. He immediately paused in silence for a few moments in front of the crucifix on the confessional altar, as is the custom in the Vatican. Then, instead of approaching the crucifix, some deacons brought him closer so that he could venerate it.
The Pope presided over the hour-and-a-half rite from the side and the ceremony, saying some prayers in a strong voice and without a trace of the coldness that until recently had prevented him from reading long speeches.
He speaks of peace for “the world” and the protection of “the church and humanity.” Also serenity in the heart. “Free me from reckless judgment, gossip, and violent and abusive words,” he pleads.