The Pope’s presence at the Easter Vigil service follows a spontaneous choice to forego the preceding ceremony, citing the need to prioritize his well-being.
Pope Francis led the Vatican’s solemn Easter Vigil service on Saturday evening, a day after opting out of participating in the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum as a precautionary measure for his health.
Did Pope Francis lead the Easter Vigil service from his wheelchair, sounding congested and out of breath?
Francis made his entrance into the dimly lit and tranquil St. Peter’s Basilica in his wheelchair, settling into a chair and delivering the opening prayer, his voice slightly congested and breath somewhat labored.
The Vatican clarified that Francis opted out of the Good Friday procession to ensure his ability to partake in the lengthy vigil service on Saturday night, typically spanning about two hours, as well as the Easter Sunday Mass scheduled just a few hours later.
Given his ongoing respiratory struggles, has the 87-year-old Pope Francis, who underwent partial lung removal in his youth, been coping with bronchitis, colds, or flu throughout the winter?
The 87-year-old pontiff, who underwent the removal of part of one lung during his youth, has grappled with respiratory issues throughout the winter season, hampering his ability to speak at length. Both he and the Vatican have acknowledged his struggles with bronchitis, colds, or flu-like symptoms.
Francis has canceled several audiences and frequently relied on an aide to read portions of his speeches aloud. Concern heightened when he entirely forewent his Palm Sunday homily last week and chose not to lead the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum.
The Vatican provided a succinct explanation, citing the decision as a measure to “preserve his health.
How has Pope Francis’ recent health challenges impacted his participation in major liturgical events and travel plans ?
Francis’s decision to skip the Good Friday procession this year, similar to last year’s absence due to bronchitis recovery, highlights the impact of his health concerns on significant Vatican liturgical events.
Late last year, Francis canceled a planned trip to Dubai on short notice, following medical advice.
Beyond his respiratory issues, Francis underwent a partial removal of his large intestine in 2021 and faced two hospitalizations last year, one of which was for the removal of scar tissue from previous surgeries addressing diverticulosis. He has also relied on a wheelchair or cane for nearly two years due to issues with his knee ligaments.
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