Pope Francis made the last-minute decision to skip the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum to protect his health, adding to concerns about his frail condition during a busy liturgical period. The 87-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been battling various health issues, including what has been described as the flu, bronchitis, or a cold all winter long. Francis had also skipped the event in the past when he was recovering from bronchitis. His decision to stay home this year recalled the instance when St. John Paul II watched the Good Friday procession from the Apostolic Palace just before he died in 2005.
Despite appearing in good form earlier in the day during a Good Friday liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis remained seated throughout the event and did not speak at length. The last-minute decision to not attend the procession was unexpected, as preparations had been made for him to preside over the rite, with his chair already on the platform. His closest aide, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, was on hand to assist him. However, just five minutes before the procession was set to begin, the Vatican announced on Telegram that the pope would not be in attendance. The hasty announcement was similar to his decision to skip his Palm Sunday homily.
Despite his health issues, Francis is scheduled to preside over a lengthy Easter Vigil on Saturday in St. Peter’s Basilica and Easter Sunday Mass in the piazza. He will also deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” speech, addressing global crises and threats to humanity. In addition to his respiratory problems, Francis underwent surgery in 2021 to remove a part of his large intestine and was hospitalized twice last year for various health issues related to previous surgeries. In his memoirs, he has stated that he does not have any health problems that would necessitate his resignation and that he still has many projects he wishes to complete.
The decision by Pope Francis to skip the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum underscored concerns about his health and ability to participate in strenuous activities during a busy liturgical period. His decision to stay home was last-minute, prompting the Vatican to make an announcement just before the event was scheduled to begin. Despite battling various health issues, Pope Francis is expected to preside over important Easter events, including the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass. He remains committed to his duties and has expressed a desire to continue working on his projects.
The absence of Pope Francis at the traditional Good Friday procession raised questions about his health, particularly in light of his history of respiratory problems and recent surgeries. While he has made efforts to preserve his health by minimizing strenuous activities, his decision to skip such an important event was unexpected. The Vatican announced his absence just minutes before the procession, indicating that the pope would follow the event remotely from his residence. Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains dedicated to his role and is determined to continue serving the global Catholic community.
The circumstances surrounding Pope Francis’ decision to skip the Good Friday procession reveal a delicate balance between his health concerns and his commitment to his duties as the leader of the Catholic Church. With a history of respiratory issues and recent surgeries, the pope has taken steps to prioritize his well-being while continuing to fulfill his role. His absence at the event was met with surprise and speculation, highlighting the challenges he faces in maintaining his health while carrying out his responsibilities. As he prepares to preside over Easter events, Pope Francis remains focused on his mission and determined to address global issues affecting humanity.
