Good Friday in Rome: Tens of thousands celebrate the Way of the Cross without Pope Francis!

Good Friday in Rome: Tens of thousands celebrate the Way of the Cross without Pope Francis!

Rom, Italien - On April 19, 2025, tens of thousands of believers gathered at the Colosseum in Rome to attend the traditional crossroads. This took place without Pope Francis, who could not participate for health reasons. The Pope, which recovered from a serious pneumonia, was released from the hospital on March 23, and it remains unclear whether he will donate the Easter blessing "Urbi et Orbi" on Easter Sunday. This uncertainty about his participation has led to speculation about his future in office, especially in the context of the importance of its condition for the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Baldo Reina led this year's Way of the Cross, while the meditations, which are dedicated to the 14 stages of the suffering of Jesus, were personally written by Pope Francis. These meditations offer a deep insight into the topics of responsibility, community and reversal, and they invite the believers to think about the importance of suffering. They show the journey through everyday life and the need to change the direction to meet Jesus. Central stations address, among other things, the judgment of Jesus by Pontius Pilate and his responsibility, which he takes over by wearing the cross.

The celebrations in Rome

The liturgical celebrations during the Holy Week were led by various high -ranking cardinals. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti celebrated the fair on Good Friday in St. Peter's Basilica. In the next few days, Cardinal Giovanni Battista re will be headed, while the fair will be taken over by Cardinal Angelo Comastri on Easter Sunday, which will be represented in the celebration. In the meantime there are discussions about whether Francis could possibly be briefly added.

state of health of the Pope

Pope's health of Pope Francis ensures mixed reactions among the faithful and the public. While the Pope was publicly seen in a wheelchair until recently and its mobility is restricted, access to him remains subject to strict controls. He lives in the right of care Vatican Santa Marta. The information about his everyday life is limited, which the discussion about his possible steps as the successor to the long -time Pope John Paul II or a withdrawal as with Benedict XVI. further heated up.

Finally, the Catholic community wishes the Pope a soon -to -be recovery. The current holidays and the versatile liturgical activities underline the resilience and faith of believers in difficult times.

For more information about the current events in Rome and the thoughts of the Pope, visit vienna.at , Spiegel.de and Vaticannews.va .