As of: March 29, 2024, 10:38 p.m
By: Richard Strobl
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Pope Francis canceled his participation in the Way of the Cross in Rome on Good Friday. The announcement came spontaneously and unexpectedly. The Vatican cited health reasons.
Rome – Concerns about Pope Francis' health are circulating again. This time a surprising cancellation fuels speculation about the pontiff's condition.
Pope Francis was actually expected to attend the traditional Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday at 9:15 p.m. But shortly before the procession began, his participation was spontaneously canceled by the Vatican. The Holy See's press office said: "To preserve his health in view of tomorrow's Vigil and Holy Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum this evening from Casa Santa Marta." Casa Santa Marta is actually the Vatican City guesthouse. But it currently serves as the residence of Pope Francis.
The rejection is likely to be particularly painful for Francis himself. For the first time in eleven years as pope, he wrote the Stations of the Cross text himself. Thousands of believers had waited at the Colosseum for the pontiff's arrival.
Pope Francis on Good Friday at the Liturgy of the Passion and Death of the Lord in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. © IMAGO/Simone Risoluti / ipa-agency.net
Pope Francis cancels Easter date: Concern about health grows
Pope Francis' health has been weak for weeks. The 87-year-old suffered from flu with bronchitis. “I haven’t recovered yet,” Francis said of his condition in mid-March. He repeatedly had sermons and greetings read out by subordinates in order to protect himself. The Vatican first informed about the Pope's current illness on February 24th. At that time there was talk of “mild flu symptoms without fever”. The Pope then had to cancel several appointments. The Pope attended Mass in the Vatican on Palm Sunday, but refrained from giving the sermon himself because of his severe hoarseness.
In recent days, however, it seemed as if Francis had recovered somewhat. Just at the right time, he has numerous events coming up because of Easter, such as the traditional Easter blessing Urbi et Orbi.
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On Friday afternoon, as usual, Pope Francis presided over the Liturgy of the Passion and Death of the Lord in St. Peter's Basilica. The Pope even celebrated two masses on Maundy Thursday. Furthermore, he had left the Vatican and made his way to a women's prison on the outskirts of Rome. Here he washed the feet of some inmates in the famous ritual, following the example of Jesus.
The Vatican's announcement suggests that they want to protect Francis' health as a precautionary measure in view of the upcoming appointments.
(rist)