The Pope cancels his participation in the Stations of the Cross at the last minute

Pope Francis, 87, canceled his participation in the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome at the last minute on Friday March 29. “To preserve his health in view of tomorrow’s vigil and Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will follow the stations of the cross to the Colosseum this evening from the Sainte-Marthe residence”announced the Vatican in a press release.

At the time of the announcement, which came just seconds before the start of the ceremony, organizers removed the pope’s chair which had been placed on a hill in front of the Colosseum.

“This is simply a precautionary measure”a Vatican source told Agence France-Presse, assuring that the health of the pope, who appeared ” in shape “ in recent hours, did not give rise to “no particular concerns”.

This decision, however, risks reviving questions about the Pope’s ability to continue to govern the Catholic Church, while he has always allowed ” open door “ to a possible renunciation, in line with his predecessor Benedict XVI. In an autobiography published this month, he reiterated that he had no “serious reason” to renounce his office, “distant hypothesis” which would be justified only in the event of “serious physical impediment”.

The Argentine Jesuit had already canceled his participation in 2023 for health reasons, shortly after a three-day hospitalization for bronchitis, but this decision had been communicated in advance, unlike this time.

A series of health problems

In recent days, the pope has honored a busy schedule, participating in several ceremonies as part of Holy Week, the main highlight of the Catholic calendar, which precedes Easter.

On Friday afternoon, the head of the Catholic Church presided over Good Friday mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican as planned. On Thursday, he washed the feet of twelve women detained in a Rome prison, taking part in a walkabout and appearing smiling.

He is to preside over Easter mass in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday morning before giving the blessing. Urbi and orbi (“To the city and to the world”), during which he generally reviews international conflicts.

Jorge Bergoglio, who uses a wheelchair, has suffered increased health problems in recent years, particularly with his knees, hips and colon.

He also had abdominal surgery in June and canceled his trip to Dubai for COP28 in December due to bronchitis. In recent days, he has also been forced on several occasions to delegate the reading of certain speeches for health reasons.

Friday evening, in front of the spectacular setting of the illuminated Roman amphitheater, thousands of faithful from many countries, often with candles in hand, silently attended the Via Crucis.

Unprecedented since his election in 2013, the pope himself wrote the meditation texts read at each of the fourteen stations of the Stations of the Cross symbolizing Christ’s ordeal, from his death sentence to his crucifixion, his death and his burial. tomb, according to Christian tradition.