Catholic Church
The Way of the Cross on Good Friday in Rome started without the Pope. He canceled his participation at the last minute due to health problems.
Pope Francis (87) canceled his participation in the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome at the last minute on Friday. The Holy See announced this on Friday. Concerns about his health continue to persist. The Pope would normally have attended the procession, but just like last year, he decided not to participate.
“To protect his health in preparation for tomorrow’s vigil and Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis will perform the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum from the Residence of Santa Marta this evening,” the Vatican announced in a press release.
During the Way of the Cross, Catholic believers commemorate the last hours of Jesus Christ. Normally the Pope leads the procession from the Colosseum to the top of Palatine Hill in Rome.
