Last-minute withdrawal from the Good Friday procession raises further questions over the Pope’s health as he continues to battle with physical limitations.
Pope Francis, 87, has pulled out of a planned appearance at the Good Friday procession in Rome’s Colosseum, citing health concerns. The Vatican revealed the Pope’s decision at the last minute, stating that the pontiff chose to step down from participating in the event to preserve his well-being. Despite this, Pope Francis is still expected to attend the Easter Vigil service on Saturday evening and will deliver the Easter Mass and the “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing on Sunday.
This unexpected withdrawal has sparked renewed worries regarding the Pope’s health, as he has been struggling with mobility issues. Due to ongoing knee problems, the Pope relies on a cane or wheelchair to move around, and he has also been suffering from recurrent bouts of bronchitis and influenza in recent months.
The Vatican shared the news of his absence from the “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross) procession just as it was about to commence, stating that Pope Francis would follow the event remotely from his residence in the Vatican. His cancellation comes after he had shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, with more public appearances following a period of difficulties, including a hospital stay for bronchitis last year.
On Thursday, the Pope participated in the traditional foot-washing ceremony at a women’s prison in Rome, a ritual that commemorates Jesus’ act of humility towards his apostles. Earlier on Friday, he was present at the Passion of the Lord service in St Peter’s Basilica, where he joined cardinals and bishops for the Latin chants recounting the events of Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and burial.
In past years, Pope Francis would have begun the service by prostrating himself on the floor of the basilica, but his frailty no longer allows him to do so. Instead, he arrived in a wheelchair and prayed silently in front of the main altar, marking a poignant moment of reflection on his declining health.
