VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, 88, was notably absent from Rome’s iconic Good Friday procession at the Colosseum as he continues to recover from a serious bout of double pneumonia. This marks the third year in a row he has missed the solemn event, which draws thousands of faithful each year.
The Vatican confirmed the pontiff is limiting his public appearances under medical advice. Although absent, Pope Francis played a significant role in this year’s ceremony by penning the meditations read during the Via Crucis—a re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion held at the historic Roman arena, believed to be a site of early Christian martyrdom.
Each meditation, paired with brief Scripture readings, reflected on timely themes such as war, economic hardship, and the role of women in the Church.
The pope, who nearly died during a recent five-week illness, also skipped an earlier Holy Thursday service. Among the attendees at that Vatican ceremony were U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family.
With Easter Sunday fast approaching, the Vatican has yet to confirm whether Pope Francis will participate in the weekend’s other significant liturgical events.