The Vatican said Pope Francis did not attend the traditional Good Friday procession at the Colosseum in Rome to protect his health, a last-minute decision that heightened concerns About his frail condition During particularly busy times.
Francis had been expected to lead crossroad processions, reenact Christ’s Passion and Passion, and compose a meditation to be read aloud at each station. But just as the event was about to begin, the Vatican announced that Francis was following the event from his home in the Vatican.
A statement from the Vatican Press Office said: “In order to maintain his health in view of tomorrow’s vigil and Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis will walk this evening from the Casa Santa Marta along the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum . ”
Although Francis also missed the 2023 event as he recovered from bronchitis and it was a particularly cold night, his decision to stay home this year signaled an abrupt change in plans.
Francis, 87, had a partial lung removed as a young man and spent the winter battling what he and the Vatican described as flu, bronchitis, or a cold.Over the past few weeks, he has occasionally Ask your assistant to read aloud For his speech, he skipped the Palm Sunday sermon entirely.
The decision to stay home appeared to be a last-minute one: Francis’ chair was placed on a platform outside the Colosseum, where he would officiate at the ceremony. His close aide, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, was present and moved a television screen on the platform so Francis could better understand what was happening inside the Colosseum.
But at 9:10 p.m., five minutes before the parade officially started, the Vatican Press Office announced on Telegram that he would not participate. The chairs were quickly taken away.
Some 25,000 pilgrims gathered in the area for the torchlight procession and expressed concern but understanding about his absence.
“I think it certainly raises concerns among the people who are making sure he performs well, but he has to have reasons for the decisions he makes,” said Marlene Stober, who was visiting from Costa Rica. “I still think people are involved and are very lucky and happy to be here and experience these events in Rome.”
Brian Hope, a visitor from Chicago, noted that Francis has had health challenges this year.
“I definitely don’t think it was a decision that was made lightly. I think he gave it a lot of thought, and I think he probably prioritized Easter’s health, which I think is a very responsible thing to do,” Hope said. . “I know he’s been through a lot this year, so I don’t expect him to be able to play every game.”
The hasty announcement is reminiscent of Francis Last minute decisions on Palm SundayWhen the Vatican released the pope’s homily to reporters in advance, his aide stood up, handed him his glasses, and asked him to read it. But Francis made it clear he would not read the letter, and the aide put the glasses back in his pocket. The Vatican later said the homily was replaced by a period of silent prayer.
Earlier in the day, Francis performed well at a Good Friday liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, though he spent most of the time seated and it was not a particularly heavy event that required long speeches from him.
On Thursday, he left the Vatican and headed to Rome’s women’s prison to preside over a Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony. As Francis performed the ceremony from a wheelchair, he appeared strong and interacted with prisoners, even giving a woman’s young son a large chocolate Easter egg.
On Saturday, he plans to preside over a lengthy Easter vigil at St. Peter’s Church, one of the most solemn events in the liturgical calendar. He will also celebrate Easter Sunday Mass in the square and deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) speech, summarizing global crises and threats to humanity.
In addition to breathing problems, Francis also had a large piece of his large intestine removed in 2021 and was hospitalized twice last year, including once in Remove intestinal scar tissue Previous surgery to address diverticulosis or bulges in the intestinal wall. He has been using a wheelchair and crutches for more than a year due to bad knee ligaments.
Francis said in his recently published memoir, Life: The Story of My History, that he no health problems That would require him to resign, and he still has ” Many projects came to fruition.
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