Posted on 04/07/2023 1:50:50 PM PDT by MeganC
Recently hospitalised Pope Francis will miss the traditional Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum, and instead will watch from his home at the Vatican due to unseasonably cold night-time temperatures in Rome, the Holy See said.
"Due to the intense cold of these days, Pope Francis will follow the Way of the Cross this evening from (the) Santa Marta hotel, uniting in prayer with those who will gather with the Diocese of Rome at the Colosseum,'' the Vatican said in a brief statement.
Francis went ahead with an early evening prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica to mark Good Friday, which recalls the suffering and death of Jesus by crucifixion. Wearing crimson-coloured vestments, Francis, who has a chronic knee problem, used a wheelchair to reach the central area of the basilica and preside over the service.
The 86-year-old pope was discharged from a Rome hospital on April 1 after spending three days there receiving antibiotics intravenously for bronchitis. The Vatican said at the time that he would carry out the complete Holy Week schedule, including attending the Way of the Cross procession and Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
During the Good Friday basilica ceremony, Francis listened to a long homily by the Vatican's official preacher. The pope at times sounded hoarse while reading aloud and when he gave his blessing at the end of the nearly two-hour long service. At one point, he stood up to kiss a figure of Jesus on a tall cross which was brought to him, then bowed his head in silent reflection.
While Rome has lately experienced spring-like weather during the day to Rome, temperatures have dipped to about four degrees Celsius after dark.
The procession usually draws tens of thousands of pilgrims, tourists and Rome residents. The faithful take turns carrying a lightweight cross as meditations and prayers are recited. The pontiff usually watches the procession from a rise overlooking the Colosseum, and ends the event with remarks and a blessing.
Francis is also scheduled to preside at an Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night in the basilica. On Sunday, he is due to be in St. Peter's Square for a mid-morning Mass. And he is expected to deliver a long speech that reviews wars and other conflicts in the world, known by its Latin name, “Urbi et Orbi.”
I think you’re right.
Rumor has that they do make jackets,gloves and mittens. Long underwear is also available.
and instead will watch from his home at the Vatican due to unseasonably cold night-time temperatures in Rome,
Boy what a soldier. Sheesh. And anyway what’s he afraid of, meeting Jesus?
Same guy that canceled Holy Mass for Easter two years ago because of the fake pandemic. Even during the real pandemic, the Black Plague, that killed 90% of Italy’s priests at the time, Holy Mass wasn’t canceled.
“I wouldn’t say I’m missing it, Bob.”
— Pope Francis
Hey Frankee how is the possible when the planet roasting from global warming.
I pray you’re right. he has been a DISASTER!
I’m praying-literally-that it is-we need another pope like Benedict or JP-it would be great to like being Catholic again...
We can only pray.
ANTI-pope. Evil.
Need an African Pope, because that’s pretty much where the only Conservative Cardinals are these days.
Of course he did. He has no relationship with Jesus.
I just pulled up the weather for Rome today. A high of 65 with a low of 39. Currently, 50.
The communist pope missed it.
I sure hope so...
He can find the time to disparage the faithful, comfort homos and trannies but can’t honor the passion of Christ because it’s chilly.
Evil bass turd.
You’re right. It wasn’t cold in Rome today. 50s-60s F are no one’s definition of “too cold” to be outdoors. The Vatican is lying, as they were lying when they first said last week that he was going in to hospital for routine, previously scheduled tests.
Did someone say something about "cults"?
Pope being called home. Which home is my question.
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