Despite his poor health, the 87-year-old Pope Francis wants to lead all celebrations from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The Way of the Cross in the Colosseum is also on his official, busy agenda.
On March 24, the Pope led the Palm Sunday Mass. 25,000 believers gathered in the Vatican to have olive branches blessed and listen to the words of the Christian leader. But they were disappointed: the Pope decided not to preach the sermon because of his hoarseness.
The sick Francis has a tight schedule ahead: according to the Vatican, he will lead the Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday (March 30, 7:30 p.m.). On Sunday (March 31) he will celebrate the Easter service on St. Peter’s Square from 10 a.m. He then pronounces the global blessing “Urbi et orbi” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The atmospheric highlight of Cartage in Rome – the Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum on the evening of Good Friday (March 29, 9:15 p.m.) – is also on the papal calendar.
Last year, war opponent Francis canceled this appointment due to bronchitis and the relatively cool temperatures in Rome at the time. His cancellation came a few hours before the Stations of the Cross began. However, he took part in the other celebrations.
Voice broken, employees read texts
The Pope has been suffering from the effects of the flu for more than three weeks. He still attends public engagements and appearances, where Vatican officials repeatedly read the texts for him. Due to his illness, Francis currently has difficulty giving long speeches.
Tight program since Maundy Thursday
The Pope’s pre-Easter program began on Palm Sunday (March 24, 10 a.m.) with a service in St. Peter’s Square. On Maundy Thursday morning (March 28, 9:30 am), the so-called Chrism Mass followed in St. Peter’s Basilica, during which the oils for baptism, confirmation and the anointing of the sick are consecrated.
Francis then wanted to wash the feet of female prisoners in a prison in Rome. Washing the feet in memory of Jesus’ Last Supper is a tradition in the Catholic Church.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
