Pope Francis skips Good Friday procession to protect his health

Pope Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday procession in Rome's Colosseum to protect his health, the Vatican said, indicating that the decision was made at the last minute, which increased concerns about his condition, AP reports, UNN writes.

Details

Francis was expected to lead the procession of the Way of the Cross, which reenacts the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ. But just before the event began, the Vatican announced that Francis was watching the event from his home in the Vatican.

"In order to preserve his health through tomorrow's vigil and Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis will follow the Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum this evening from Santa Marta House," the Vatican press service said.

Addendum

Although Francis also skipped the event in 2023 because he was recovering from bronchitis and it was a particularly cold night, his decision to stay home this year indicates that his plans have suddenly changed, the publication points out.

Francis, 87, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling what he and the Vatican have called the flu, bronchitis, or a cold all winter. Over the past few weeks, he has occasionally asked an aide to read aloud his speeches, and he reportedly skipped the Palm Sunday homily altogether.