Despite experiencing health concerns, Pope Francis’ presence at the planned Easter Vigil service on Saturday, March 30 was confirmed by the Vatican. Due to a health scare on Friday, the pontiff had to cancel his scheduled attendance at the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum.
Prior to the scheduled start of the Stations of the Cross service at the Colosseum, the Vatican released a statement indicating that the Pope would observe the service from his residence instead of physically attending. The statement, which cited the Pope’s need to preserve his health for upcoming Easter week events, explained the reason for his absence from the “Via Crucis”procession.
The Holy See Press released the following statement:
“To conserve his health in view of tomorrow’s vigil and the holy Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening from Casa Santa Marta.”
Despite the cancellation of the Good Friday event, there were still concerns about the pope’s involvement in the remaining Easter events.
Easter Evening Service at St. Peter’s Basilica to be Sole Public Engagement for Pope Francis
On the occasion of Easter, it is customary for the Pope to perform Mass and give his biannual “Urbi et Orbi”(to the city and world) address and blessings from the main balcony of St. Peter’s.
According to a statement released by the Vatican, the only public event that Pope Francis will participate in this year will be the evening service at St. Peter’s Basilica. No further information has been provided regarding the Urbi et Orbi or the traditional blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The 87-year-old leader of the Catholic church has been facing a series of health challenges in recent times. In light of his ongoing struggles with bouts of bronchitis, as well as cold and flu, Pope Francis has been having his aides read out several of his speeches.
In addition, Vatican officials have confirmed that the pope participated in and led the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at St Peter’s Basilica earlier on Good Friday, in advance of the scheduled procession.
Pope Francis addressed a variety of subjects, such as war, online hate, and the exploitation of women.
The pope likened online hatred to the judgment of the crowd witnessing the crucifixion.
“All it takes is a keyboard to spew insults and condemnation”
Despite acknowledging the “madness”and “trauma”of war, he also conveyed his utmost solidarity with those who are “demeaned by the arrogance, injustice, and power of those who exploit the poor amidst widespread indifference.”
He stated, speaking of women:
“Help us to recognize the dignity of those women who remained faithful and stood by you in your passion, and those who in our own day are exploited and endure injustice and indignity.”
In addition, Pope Francis specifically acknowledged all the women who had assisted Jesus Christ prior to his crucifixion.
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