The health of the sovereign pontiff raises new concerns. 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, amid persistent concerns about his state of health.
“To preserve his health in view of tomorrow's vigil and the Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will follow the Stations of the Cross this evening at the Colosseum from the Residence Sainte Martha,” the Vatican announced 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 from a hill in front of the Colosseum.
“This is a simple measure of prudence,” a Vatican source told AFP, assuring that the health of the pope, who appeared “in good shape” in recent hours, gave rise to “no particular concern.” ".
This decision, however, risks reviving questions about the pope's ability to continue to govern the Catholic Church, while he has always left "the door open" 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, a "remote hypothesis" which would only be justified in the event of a "serious physical impediment".
The Argentine Jesuit had already canceled his participation in the Stations of the Cross in 2023 for health reasons, but this decision followed a three-day hospitalization for bronchitis and had been communicated in advance.
Busy schedule
In recent days, the Bishop of Rome 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 the celebration of the Passion of Christ in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican as planned.
On Thursday, he washed the feet of 12 women detained in a Rome prison, taking part in a walkabout and appearing smiling.
He is due to preside over Easter mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday morning before giving the "Urbi et Orbi" ("To the city and the world") blessing, 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 the spectacular setting of the illuminated Roman amphitheater, thousands of faithful from many countries, often with candles in hand, silently witnessed the "Via Crucis".
"We are disappointed. It is understandable, but it is sad because his presence this evening was important", reacted after the ceremony Edoardo Conforti, a 17-year-old Italian scout from Genoa (north-west) for the occasion.
Unprecedented since his election in 2013, the pope himself wrote the meditation texts read at each of the 14 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.
With Reuters and AFP
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