Pope Francis has made the decision to skip the Good Friday procession due to cold weather, according to a report from RTE.ie. The annual procession in Rome sees pilgrims follow a wooden cross through the streets of the city, but this year’s event has been impacted by unseasonably low temperatures. It is not the first time the Pope has made this decision, having also skipped the procession in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it is a rare break with tradition, and one that has been met with disappointment from some Catholics.
It was announced that Pope Francis will not be attending the Good Friday procession due to cold and rainy weather. This is the second time in two years that the Pope has had to miss this important event due to bad weather.
The Pope was scheduled to lead the traditional Way of the Cross procession, which commemorates Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, through the streets of Rome on Friday. However, the Vatican said in a statement that the Pope would not attend due to a “symptomatic cold”. The statement added that the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” to protect the health of the 84-year-old Pope.
This news was met with disappointment from many Catholics around the world who had been looking forward to seeing the Pope lead the Good Friday procession. However, many have also recognized that the Pope’s health and safety should be the top priority.
This is not the first time that the Pope has had to miss the Good Friday procession due to bad weather. Last year, the Pope also skipped the procession because of a “slight indisposition”. This year, the decision was made after the Pope had been scheduled to preside over a liturgy on Holy Thursday, during which he was seen coughing and blowing his nose.
The Pope’s health has been a concern for many in recent years, especially after he underwent surgery last year for an intestinal problem. However, he has continued to maintain a busy schedule and has frequently expressed his desire to continue serving the Catholic Church.
Despite the Pope’s absence, the Vatican said that the Good Friday procession will still take place, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. The procession will be held in St. Peter’s Square, with a small group of faithful present due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The decision to cancel the Pope’s attendance at the Good Friday procession has also raised questions about the possibility of a future papal resignation. The Pope himself has hinted in the past that he may resign if his health declines significantly. However, he has also stated that he would not resign due to any external pressure, but rather only if he felt that he was no longer able to carry out his duties.
Overall, while the absence of the Pope at the Good Friday procession is a significant event, many have recognized that his health and safety should always be the top priority. The Catholic Church will continue to move forward and celebrate this important religious event, regardless of who is leading the procession.
