(Vatican City) Pope Francis, 87, canceled his participation in the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome at the last minute on Friday, amid ongoing concerns about his state of health.
“To preserve his health in view of tomorrow’s vigil and the Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will follow the Stations of the Cross this evening at the Colosseum from the Residence Sainte Martha,” the Vatican announced in a press release.
At the time of the announcement, which came just seconds before the start of the ceremony, organizers removed the pope’s chair from a hill in front of the Colosseum.
PHOTO GREGORIO BORGIA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Organizers take away Pope Francis’ chair before the start of the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum.
The Argentine Jesuit had already canceled his participation in 2023 for health reasons, a few days after a three-day hospitalization for bronchitis, but this decision had been communicated in advance, unlike this time.
In front of the spectacular setting of the illuminated Roman amphitheater, thousands of faithful from many countries, often with candles in hand, gathered in silence to witness this highlight of Holy Week which precedes Easter.
On Friday afternoon, the head of the Catholic Church presided over Good Friday mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican as planned.
On Sunday morning, he is due to preside over Easter mass in St. Peter’s Square before giving the “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the city and to the world”) blessing, during which he generally reviews international conflicts.
Jorge Bergoglio, who uses a wheelchair, has suffered a series of health problems in recent years, including his knees, hips and colon.
He also had abdominal surgery in June and canceled his trip to Dubai for COP28 in December due to bronchitis.
In recent days, he has been forced on several occasions to delegate the reading of several speeches for health reasons.