The Pope absent from the Way of the Cross to avoid the cold

This is a first since the beginning of his pontificate. Pope Francis, hospitalized last week for bronchitis, canceled due to the cold his participation in the traditional “Stations of the Cross” to be held Friday, April 7 at the Colosseum. “Due to the intense cold these days, Pope Francis will follow tonight’s Via Crucis from the Residence of Saint Martha, joining in the prayer of those who will meet with the Diocese of Rome at the Colosseum”, the Vatican said in a statement. An unusual cold snap for this period has hit the Roman capital in recent days, with temperatures not exceeding 10°C in the evening.

Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis had so far always participated in the Stations of the Cross, a highlight of Holy Week which brings to life the Calvary of Christ, from his death sentence to his crucifixion, his death and his burial. , according to Christian tradition. Organized since 1964 in the sumptuously illuminated Roman amphitheater, the “Via Crucis” had taken place in Saint-Pierre square in 2020 and 2021 because of the health crisis.

Jorge Bergoglio, who suffers from chronic health problems and often uses a wheelchair due to knee pain, was hospitalized for three days last week in Rome with infectious bronchitis, which has reignited speculation over his future. Since his release on Saturday, he has participated in several public appointments at the Vatican, including Palm Sunday Mass and the weekly general audience on Wednesday. On Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 young inmates at a Rome juvenile prison. He must preside over the Easter mass on Sunday in Saint-Pierre square before giving the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.