Pope Francis has skipped the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum to protect his health, the Vatican said, making a last-minute decision that heightened fears about his fragile condition during a particularly busy period.
Francis was previously expected to lead a procession recreating the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ and compose meditations that are read aloud at each station. However, as the event was about to begin, the Vatican announced that Francis would oversee the proceedings from his home in the Vatican. A statement from the Vatican press office said:
“To conserve his health in view of the vigil tomorrow and Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening from the Casa Santa Marta.”
When Francis also skipped the event in 2023 because he was recovering from bronchitis and the night was particularly cold, this year his decision to stay home suggests that his plans have suddenly changed.
Francis, 87, who had part of one lung removed when he was young, has struggled all winter with what he and the Vatican describe as the flu, bronchitis or a cold. In the past few weeks he has sometimes asked an aide to read aloud his speeches, and on Palm Sunday he skipped his sermon altogether.
The decision to stay home was made at the last moment: Francis’ chair was already on the platform outside the Colosseum, where he was to conduct the rite. His close aide, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, was in place and had moved the television screen on the platform so that Francis would have a better view of what was happening in the Colosseum itself.
But at 9:10 p.m., five minutes before the procession officially began, the Vatican press office announced on Telegram that he would not be present. The chair was quickly whisked away.
His absence was noted with concern but understanding by some of the estimated 25,000 pilgrims gathered for the torchlight procession. Marlene Steuber, who was visiting from Costa Rica, said:
“I think of course it causes concern for the people who make sure that he is doing well, but he must have his reasons for the decisions that he makes. Still I think that people are involved and very blessed and happy to be here and experience these events here in Rome.”
Brian Hopp, a visitor from Chicago, noted that Francis has had his health challenges this year. He said:
“I definitely don’t think it was a decision taken lightly. I think a lot was taken into it and I think he probably prioritised his health for Easter, which I think is a very responsible thing to do. I know he has been going through a lot this year so I don’t expect him to be able to make every event.”
In addition to his breathing problems, Francis had part of his large intestine removed in 2021 and was hospitalised twice last year, including once to remove scar tissue in his intestines from previous operations to repair diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal walls. Due to damaged knee ligaments, he has been using a wheelchair and cane for over a year.
