Brought to guest house
Pope spares his health and stays away from the Stations of the Cross
On Palm Sunday, the Pope was so exhausted that he was unable to give the sermon - and on Good Friday, too, Francis had to cut back for the sake of his health. He surprisingly skipped the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum after taking part in the adoration of the cross in St. Peter's Basilica.
Despite ongoing speculation about his state of health, Pope Francis was determined to lead the Vatican's extensive Easter program in full. However, shortly before the ceremony, the Vatican announced that the pontiff would have to forego the Stations of the Cross.
"In order to maintain his state of health in view of tomorrow's Easter Vigil, the Pope will follow the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum this evening from the Santa Marta Guest House (in the Vatican)," a Vatican statement said.
The Pope had already appeared groggy during the liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica on Friday afternoon - he had spoken with a hoarse voice.
The 87-year-old had repeatedly had to cancel appointments in recent weeks due to bronchitis. Tens of thousands of believers gathered in front of the ancient amphitheater for the atmospheric procession on Good Friday, which commemorated the Passion of Jesus. A symbolic cross was carried across 14 stations.
Many waited for hours for the ceremony to begin
Many believers had been waiting for hours for the ceremony to begin in front of the Colosseum. The traditional ceremony commemorating the Passion of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago, a highlight of the Easter program, took place on the so-called Via Crucis in front of the Roman landmark. The cross was carried by several cloistered nuns as well as people with disabilities, migrants and young people. University students held the torches.
The Pope had also canceled the Good Friday procession last year. Due to the low temperatures, he had decided to follow the Stations of the Cross from his residence, the Santa Marta guest house.
Pope still looked fit on Maundy Thursday
The 87-year-old still appeared very fit during the ceremonies on Maundy Thursday. After a service in St. Peter's Basilica, he washed the feet of twelve prisoners in Rome. The Easter celebrations culminate in the Easter Vigil and the Easter service on Sunday morning. The highlight of the Easter liturgy is the blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world), which Francis will give from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.
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