Devendra Kumar
Pope Francis’s sudden decision to skip the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum has sparked concerns about his frail condition during a particularly busy liturgical period. The 87-year-old pontiff, who has been battling a lingering cold or flu-like illness, opted to follow the event from the comfort of his home at the Vatican, leaving Cardinal Angelo De Donatis to preside over the Via Crucis in his place. This marked the first time Francis had skipped the traditional event in his 11-year papacy, sparking comparisons with Pope John Paul II, who famously watched the Good Friday procession from the Apostolic Palace just before his passing in 2005.
Francis’s decision came as no surprise, given his fragile health, and the Vatican had already taken precautions by providing his chair on the platform at the Colosseum. However, a last-minute scramble ensued as the television screen was rearranged to give the ailing pope a better view of the event inside the Colosseum. In the end, the chair was quickly taken away, and the event proceeded without the pope’s physical presence.
Despite the concerns about his health, Pope Francis’s decision to prioritize his well-being is a testament to his commitment to his duties as the leader of the global Catholic Church. As the Catholic Church approaches Easter Sunday, his absence from the traditional Good Friday procession may be seen as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices required of those who lead the faithful. Despite his frailty, Pope Francis remains a powerful symbol of hope and devotion, and his decision to prioritize his health will undoubtedly be seen as a testament to his commitment to his duties.
It is not the first time Francis has taken steps to conserve his energy, as he has occasionally asked an aide to read aloud his speeches and even skipped his Palm Sunday homily altogether. The sudden announcement of his decision not to attend the Good Friday procession recalled his last-minute decision on Palm Sunday, when the Vatican issued his homily in advance to journalists and his aide got up to give him his glasses to read it, only to reveal that he was skipping it.