NOS News•
In Vatican City, Pope Francis has begun the easter mass. Due to his fragile health, he was wheeled to the altar in a wheelchair. He also used a wheelchair at the Easter vigil last night. Francis has been struggling with knee problems for some time.
Around noon, thousands of spectators receive the annual Easter blessing urbi et orbi in St. Peter’s Square. It is customary for the Pope to do so from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
On Good Friday, the spiritual leader failed to attend the traditional Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum. It was too cold outside for 86-year-old Franciscus, who has been ailing since the end of March.
The Way of the Cross is a traditional procession at the Colosseum where Christians commemorate the agony of Jesus. It was the first time the pope had been absent from the procession since he took office in 2013.
Bronchitisinfectie
Francis had to be hospitalized for several days last week due to a bronchitis infection. It was therefore exciting whether he would be able to participate in all the masses and celebrations during Holy Week, one of the busiest periods of the year.
After treatment with antibiotics, the pope was allowed to leave the hospital last Saturday. It is unclear whether he has fully recovered.
