Vatican
Pope Francis refuses to participate in the Way of the Cross
Pope Francis at the Passion Mass on Good Friday in St. Peter’s Basilica. photo
© Andrew Medichini/AP/dpa
The Pope is in poor health. After a few performances, including on Maundy Thursday, he now decided not to take part in the traditional Stations of the Cross in Rome.
Pope Francis has decided not to take part in the traditional Way of the Cross on Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome. Because of the “very cold these days”, the head of the Catholic Church will not follow the Way of the Cross against the backdrop of the ancient amphitheater, as the Holy See announced on Friday.
The 86-year-old will join the prayers from the Vatican. Temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees were expected in Rome in the evening. Francis was released from the hospital last week after almost three days of treatment for bronchitis.