On Palm Sunday, the Pope was so exhausted that he could not preach the sermon – and on Good Friday, Francis also had to take it easy due to his health. He skipped the Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum after participating in the Adoration of the Cross in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Despite continued speculation about his health, Pope Francis appeared determined to fully direct the Vatican’s extensive Easter program. But after the adoration of the cross, the Vatican announced that the Pope should abandon the Stations of the Cross.
Pope wants to follow the Stations of the Cross from the guesthouse
The pope will follow the Stations of the Cross from his residence, the Santa Marta guest house, and join the prayers of those gathering with the diocese of Rome at the Colosseum, the Vatican said.
The 87-year-old had to cancel several appointments in recent weeks due to bronchitis. Tens of thousands of worshipers gathered in front of the ancient amphitheater for the atmospheric Good Friday procession, which commemorated the stages of Jesus’ passion. A symbolic cross was carried over 14 stations.
Many waited hours for the ceremony to begin
Many worshipers had waited hours for the ceremony in front of the Colosseum to begin. The traditional ceremony commemorating the suffering of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago, a highlight of the Easter program, took place on the so-called Via Crucis in front of the Roman monument. The cross was carried by some nuns, but also by people with disabilities, migrants and young people. University students held the torches.
Last year the Pope also canceled the Good Friday procession. Due to the low temperatures, he decided to follow the Stations of the Cross from his hometown, the Santa Marta guest house.
A foot washing was performed on twelve prisoners
The Pope celebrated a service in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday. He then washed the feet of twelve prisoners in Rome. The Easter celebrations culminate in the Easter Vigil and the Easter Service on Sunday morning. The highlight of the Easter liturgy is the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (of the city and the world), which Francis will pronounce from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
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.
