2024-04-04 14:14:04
He Pope Francisco He canceled his participation in the Via Crucis on Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome at the last minute, the Vatican announced in a context of persistent concerns about his weakened health.
“To preserve his health in preparation for tomorrow’s vigil and the Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will follow the Via Crucis of the Colosseum from the residence of Santa Marta,” the Vatican reported in a statement.
The pope’s chair was already placed on a hill in the Colosseum, but just after the announcement, just moments before the start of the ceremony, the organizers removed it.
“This is simply a precautionary measure,” a Vatican source told AFP, who assured that the pope’s health, which in recent hours has been “in good shape,” does not raise “any particular concern.”
The Argentine Jesuit also canceled his participation in this outdoor rite in 2023 for health reasons, but last year the Vatican previously reported that the pontiff would not participate as he was convalescing after being hospitalized for bronchitis.
The traditional Via Crucis on Good Friday in the Colosseum is one of the most important dates in the calendar of the Catholic Church and thousands of faithful from numerous countries, many with candles, gathered in silence to attend this Holy Week rite.
In an unprecedented event since his election in 2013, the pope wrote the texts that will be pronounced at each of the 14 stations that symbolize the Calvary of Jesus, according to Christian tradition.
The Vatican reported that these meditations are “a face-to-face conversation with Christ, composed of reflections, questions, introspections, confessions and invocations.”
A busy week
On Sunday morning the pope plans to preside at Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, before pronouncing the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which generally addresses conflicts in the world.
The Vatican reported in February that the pope suffered a “slight flu” and was examined at a hospital in Rome and has since canceled his participation in some events.
Jorge Bergoglio, who often travels in a wheelchair and is suffering from several health problems, underwent abdominal surgery in 2023, has chronic knee problems and has suffered several respiratory infections in recent months.
In December he canceled his participation in the UN climate summit, COP28, in Dubai due to bronchitis.
Last Sunday Francis presided over the Palm Sunday mass, but did not deliver the homily, as planned.
LDAV
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2024-04-04 14:14:04