Pope Francis will not be present at the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome

Pope Francis canceled his presence at the Via Crucis evening this Friday at the Colosseum in Romedue to the low temperatures recorded in the Italian capital.

Due to the intense cold of these days, Pope Francis tonight follows the Via Crucis from his residence in Santa Marta (in the Vatican, ndr),” the Vatican said in a note.

The decision was made to protect the Pope’s health, as the Via Crucis is nighttime and takes place outside in front of the famous Roman monument with the help of believers and tourists from all over the world.

An unusual cold snap for this time of year ravaged the Roman capital for several dayswith temperatures not exceeding 10°C at night.

Francisco, 86, was hospitalized last week for infectious bronchitis. On the other hand, he will preside over the Mass celebrated a few hours before in the Basilica of San Pedro.

Since his election in 2013, Francis has participated in the Via Crucis in Rome, a highlight of Holy Week, which commemorates Christ’s death.

Organized since 1964 in the Roman amphitheatre, specially lit for the occasion, the Via Crucis was not celebrated in that place until 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Since being released from hospital on Saturday, the pope has taken part in several public ceremonies at the Vatican. including Mass on Palm Sunday and the weekly Wednesday General Audience.

In addition, on Thursday he washed the feet of 12 young people detained in a prison in Rome to practice the traditional rite of washing the feet of marginalized people. On Sunday, he must preside over Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square and give the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) in addition to reading the traditional message about the problems of the world.