Pope Francis decided to withdraw from a Good Friday service at the last minute, as announced by the Vatican, citing the need to preserve his health ahead of significant Easter events scheduled for the weekend. The 87-year-old pontiff has been under close observation since undergoing abdominal surgery last year.
In recent weeks, Pope Francis has faced health challenges, including bouts of bronchitis, cold, and flu, leading to aides reading out several of his speeches. He has also undergone hospital tests to monitor his well-being.
Before the Stations of the Cross service at Rome's Colosseum on Friday evening, the Vatican disclosed that Pope Francis would follow the service from his residence instead of attending in person. Earlier in the day, he had presided over the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at St Peter's Basilica.
The Stations of the Cross service commemorates various stages of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, with Pope Francis aiming to draw parallels between the biblical account and contemporary issues. This year, the pontiff addressed themes such as war, online hatred, and the exploitation of women in his Good Friday meditations.
In his reflections, Pope Francis highlighted the impact of online hatred, emphasizing the ease with which insults and condemnation can be spread through digital platforms. He called for an end to hasty judgment, gossip, and offensive language.
Furthermore, the pope expressed concern over the 'madness' and 'trauma' caused by war, pledging solidarity with those affected by exploitation and injustice. He specifically acknowledged the dignity of women who supported Jesus before his crucifixion and urged recognition of the plight of women facing exploitation and injustice in modern society.
Overall, Pope Francis's decision to prioritize his health and his messages on contemporary issues during the Easter period reflect his commitment to addressing pressing global challenges while also attending to his personal well-being.
