On Friday, April 8th, millions of Catholics around the world participated in the Good Friday procession, a solemn and significant event in the Christian faith that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, this year, there was one notable absence: Pope Francis.
The Pope, who traditionally presides over the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum in Rome, was unable to attend because he was just out of the hospital for bronchitis. The cold weather along with the expected gathering of millions, has forced the Pope to cancel his annual presiding of the Colosseum Procession.
In a statement released by the Vatican, officials confirmed that the Pope was “following the Way of the Cross from the Vatican” instead of in person. The statement went on to say that the Pope was “united with all the participants in the Colosseum, who are praying for the suffering of the Lord and for all the victims of wars and violence.”
The Good Friday procession is one of the most important events in the Catholic calendar and is traditionally led by the Pope. During the procession, participants walk through the stations of the cross, which represent the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. The procession culminates with a crucifixion reenactment, which is a powerful and emotional moment for many Catholics.
While the absence of the Pope was felt by many, those who attended the procession still felt the significance of the event. “We missed the Pope, but the spirit of the procession was still very strong,” said Giuseppe, a participant in the procession. “The message of the day is about remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and reflecting on the suffering that still exists in the world today.”
Despite the absence of the Pope, the Good Friday procession continued as planned, with thousands of participants gathering at the Colosseum in Rome and millions more participating around the world. The event was a reminder of the resilience of the Catholic faith and the power of community, even in the face of adversity.
The Pope’s absence from the Good Friday procession is just one of several recent cancellations due to his health. Earlier this week, the Pope just got discharged from the hospital for bronchitis. He was advised not to participate in the procession because of the unseasonal cold weather at night.
While the Pope’s health issues are a cause for concern, the Vatican has reassured the public that he is receiving the appropriate medical attention and is in good spirits. Despite his physical limitations, the Pope continues to work on important issues such as climate change and social justice, and remains a powerful voice for the Catholic faith around the world.
While the absence of Pope Francis was felt at the Good Friday procession, the event was a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Catholic community. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic and other challenges, events like the Good Friday procession serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, community, and reflection in difficult times.