Fri Apr 18 21:54:00 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Skips Good Friday Colosseum Procession for Third Year
**Vatican City, April 19, 2025** – Pope Francis, still recovering from a recent bout of double pneumonia, missed the annual Good Friday Via Crucis procession at the Colosseum for the third consecutive year. The 88-year-old pontiff, following doctor’s orders to limit public appearances, was absent from the outdoor ceremony marking Jesus’ crucifixion.
Thousands of Catholic faithful participated in the re-enactment of Jesus’ journey to his death, carrying the cross through the ancient Roman arena. While unable to attend, Pope Francis personally penned the meditations for this year’s ceremony, addressing themes such as war, economic hardship, and the role of women within the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of Pope Francis, led the procession in the Pope’s stead. The Vatican has yet to confirm the Pope’s attendance at other Easter services this weekend. This follows his absence from a Thursday ceremony at the Vatican, which was attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family. Pope Francis’s health remains a concern following his recent severe illness.
First Piper 