What's happened
Pope Francis cancels his attendance at the Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum to preserve his health ahead of Easter events. The 87-year-old pontiff follows the Way of the Cross procession remotely from his Vatican residence.
Why it matters
Pope Francis' decision to skip the Good Friday procession due to health concerns raises questions about his ability to lead the Catholic Church. The move highlights the challenges of leading a global religious institution while managing personal health issues.
What the papers say
The Vatican emphasized that the decision was made to preserve Pope Francis' health, with some sources suggesting it was a precautionary measure. While some sources express concerns about the pope's declining strength, others highlight the importance of prioritizing his well-being.
How we got here
Pope Francis has been battling health issues, including bouts of bronchitis and influenza. His decision to skip the Good Friday procession follows a pattern of health concerns, including a recent battle with the flu. The 87-year-old pontiff has faced challenges in maintaining his health while fulfilling his duties as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Common question
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Pope Francis is the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State. Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first pope from outside Europe since the Syrian Gregory
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi
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Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passov
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The Stations of the Cross or the Way of the Cross, also known as the Way of Sorrows or the Via Crucis, refers to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers.