Pope Francis could not attend the traditional “Way of the Cross” prayer service on Good Friday as he is recovering from bronchitis. He spent three nights in the hospital last week. This marks the first time in the 10 years of his papacy that the 86-year-old pontiff has missed the annual service.
The Vatican announced in a statement that due to the intense cold of the past few days, Pope Francis would follow the service from his residence, Casa Santa Marta, within the Vatican, and join in prayer with the Diocese of Rome at the Colosseum.
The Way of the Cross service commemorates the 14 stations of Jesus’ suffering and death, from his condemnation to his burial. The open-air procession took place outside the Coliseum and began at 1900 GMT on Friday. Night-time temperatures in Rome have fallen to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) this week due to an unusual cold streak.
Pope Francis was recently discharged from a Rome hospital on April 1 after a three-night stay for a bronchial infection. He has experienced increasing health issues in recent years, and this marks his second stay in the hospital since 2021.
However, he still presided over various events, including washing the feet of 12 young prisoners on Holy Thursday, and led mass yesterday at St Peter’s Basilica. He is expected to lead Easter mass on Sunday at St Peter’s Square.
