After a two-year corona break, Pope Francis and thousands of faithful will celebrate the traditional Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome this Friday. One of the 14 stations is intended as a peace gesture between Russia and Ukraine. This has already been criticized by the Ukrainian government.
Today, Good Friday, Pope Francis, along with thousands of Christians, once again celebrates the traditional Way of the Cross to commemorate the Passion of Jesus Christ. Due to the corona pandemic, the head of the Catholic Church had to forego the public procession at the centuries-old amphitheater in 2020 and 2021. During evening prayers, a symbolic cross is carried across 14 stations. This year, one family has prepared a meditation for each of the 14 stations.
criticism of the peace gesture
Due to the war in Ukraine, a corresponding gesture is made at the 13th station. A Ukrainian and a Russian nurse, both living in Rome, have to wear the simple black wooden cross. This has already caused criticism from Ukraine. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Kiev, Vitaly Kryvytskyi, said this action may be “incomprehensible and unacceptable to those suffering from the aggressor”. The Vatican envoy to Ukraine, Visvaldas Kulbokas, said there can be reconciliation only after the attack has stopped.
silent worship
Prior to the nearly three-hour Stations of the Cross, the Pope led a quiet and serious service at St. Peter’s Basilica at 5 p.m. Among other things, readings from the Bible and intercession were given. Because Francis was suffering from knee pain, he stayed for several minutes in prayer instead of lying down at the foot of the altar, as prescribed in the Good Friday liturgy. Numerous cardinals, bishops and diplomats accredited to the Vatican attended the ceremony.
Other Easter highlights at the Vatican include the Pope’s Easter Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peter’s Square (10:30 a.m.) and the solemn blessing at noon. Thousands of people were also expected to attend the Easter procession in Jerusalem on Friday. This was done again for the first time in two years, with a massive police presence to prevent acts of terrorism.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
