Health problems
Concern at Easter: Pope cancels participation in Good Friday procession at short notice
Pope Francis, 87: Continuing concerns about his health
© Claudio Asquini / Imago Images
Pope Francis has temporarily decided not to take part in the traditional Stations of the Cross on Good Friday in Rome. This year he had prepared for the procession like never before during his time in office.
Pope Francis has been struggling with health problems for some time, and on Good Friday he canceled his participation in the traditional Stations of the Cross procession in Rome at short notice. This was done “to protect his health,” the Vatican said on Friday evening. The 87-year-old will instead watch the procession taking place at the Colosseum from his residence.
“To protect his health in the run-up to tomorrow’s Easter Vigil and before Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Stations of the Cross procession at the Colosseum this evening from the Santa Marta residence,” the Vatican said immediately before the start of the event. The AFP news agency learned from Vatican circles that the decision was a precautionary measure. There were no particular concerns about the pope’s health on Friday.
Pope Francis: wrote texts for 14 stations himself
A chair at the Colosseum in the Italian capital that was actually intended for the Pope was immediately taken away. At the time of the Vatican announcement, thousands of believers had already gathered for the procession, many of them with candles in their hands. The Vatican estimated the number of visitors at around 25,000. Pope Francis himself wrote the texts for the 14 stations for the first time in his pontificate, which began in 2013.
“We are disappointed,” said 17-year-old Edoardo Conforti. “It’s understandable, but it’s sad because his presence that evening was important.”
The Pope has been struggling with health problems for some time. However, on Thursday he washed the feet of only female prisoners for the first time during the annual Maundy Thursday ritual. The 87-year-old visited the Rebibbia women’s prison on the northeastern outskirts of Rome, where he washed the feet of twelve women while sitting in a wheelchair.
The Pope wants to celebrate the Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday evening. On Sunday he wants to announce the Easter message and give the blessing “Urbi et Orbi”.