Pope Francis unexpectedly cancels participation in the Crusade events
Poor health has been affecting the public activities of Pope Francis for several months. Due to knee problems, he mostly gets around either with a cane or in a wheelchair. On the other hand, bronchitis and other respiratory disorders have often prevented him from speaking in public recently. One of the assistants read the speeches for him.
Therefore, the last-minute decision not to participate in the Good Friday Crucifixion in order to save energy is not a big surprise. In an official statement, the Vatican says that the Pope has watched the event from a distance.
The papal chair had already been set up on a hill overlooking Rome’s Colosseum, where Friday’s religious services were held, but was removed when it was announced shortly before the start that Francis would not attend in person.
Also last year, the Pope did not participate in the Crucifixion event in the Colosseum, because then he had just been released from the hospital, where he spent three days being treated for bronchitis. However, last year the decision not to participate was announced in advance.
Vatican officials reassure that there is no reason to worry about the health of the 87-year-old pope at the moment. This step is said to have been taken only as a precaution.
However, it can already be predicted that speculations about Francis’ health and ability to lead the Roman Catholic Church could rise with new vigor.
Until recently, the pope has indicated that he is not going to resign like his predecessor, and believes that he has no health problems that would prevent him from being the head of the church.
Easter week is a very important time in the calendar of the Christian church, so the Pope’s agenda is very full.
On Friday, he attended a service at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. On Thursday, he has washed the feet of 12 women in a prison in Rome. It is part of the traditional Easter ritual. This year, however, Francis has earned special recognition for washing only women’s feet. This underlines the desire to give women a greater role in the life of the Catholic Church.
This year, women could also participate more actively in the Friday evening Crossroads event than before. According to Vatican estimates, around 25,000 people attended the event.
On Sunday, however, the Pope is scheduled to participate in the traditional Easter service and address “The City and the World”.
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2024-03-30 10:09:12
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