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The Vatican says Pope Francis gained’t go to the Colosseum for the standard Good Friday Method of the Cross procession
VATICAN CITY — Just lately hospitalized Pope Francis will not go to the Colosseum for the standard Good Friday Method of the Cross procession, however as a substitute will watch it from his house on the Vatican as a result of unseasonably chilly nighttime temperatures in Rome, the Holy See stated.
Francis went forward with an early night prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica to mark Good Friday, which remembers the struggling and demise of Jesus by crucifixion. Sporting crimson-colored vestments, Francis, who has a persistent knee downside, used a wheelchair to succeed in the central space 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 stated on the time that he would perform the whole Holy Week schedule, together with attending the Method of the Cross procession and Mass in St. Peter’s Sq. on Easter Sunday.
Throughout the Good Friday basilica ceremony, Francis listened to an extended homily by the Vatican’s official preacher. The pope at occasions sounded hoarse whereas studying aloud and when he gave his blessing on the finish of the almost two-hour lengthy service. At one level, he stood as much as kiss a determine of Jesus on a tall cross which was delivered to him, then bowed his head in silent reflection.
On Holy Thursday, he presided over a virtually two-hour-long Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and later went to a Rome juvenile jail the place he washed and dried the toes of a dozen residents in a ritual symbolizing humility and recalling Jesus performing the identical gesture for his 12 apostles.
Whereas Rome has these days skilled spring-like climate through the day to Rome, temperatures have dipped into the excessive 30s Fahrenheit (about 4 levels Celsius) after darkish.
“Because of the intense chilly of nowadays, Pope Francis will observe the Method of the Cross this night from (the) Santa Marta lodge, uniting in prayer with those that will collect with the Diocese of Rome on the Colosseum,” the Vatican stated in a quick assertion.
The procession normally attracts tens of 1000’s of pilgrims, vacationers and Rome residents. Devoted take turns carrying a light-weight cross as meditations and prayers are recited. The pontiff normally watches the procession from an increase overlooking the Colosseum, and ends the occasion with remarks and a blessing.
Francis can be scheduled to preside at an Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday evening within the basilica. On Sunday, he is because of be in St. Peter’s Sq. for a mid-morning Mass. He’s anticipated to ship an extended speech that critiques wars and different conflicts on the earth, recognized by its Latin title, “Urbi et Orbi.”
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