Pope Francis, 87, canceled at the last minute his participation in the Way of the Cross staged at the Colosseum in Rome this Friday (29), in a context of growing concern about his poor health.
“To preserve his health, in preparation for tomorrow’s vigil and Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis will follow the Way of the Cross in the Coliseum of Santa Marta’s residence,” the Vatican announced in a statement.
After the announcement, just before the ceremony began, organizers removed the pope’s chair located on a hill in front of the Roman monument.
The pontiff had also canceled his participation in the ceremony in 2023 for health reasons. At the time, however, his absence had been announced in advance because he was recovering from hospitalization for bronchitis.
Out there
The traditional Way of the Cross on Good Friday at the Coliseum is one of the most important ceremonies in the Catholic Church calendar. The event brings together thousands of faithful from various countries, many carrying candles, who come together in silence to watch the event.
Pope Francis underwent abdominal surgery last June and, in December, had to cancel his trip to Dubai for COP28, the UN climate conference, due to respiratory problems. As a young man, still in Buenos Aires, Francisco had part of a lung removed.