Pope Francis will not be present at the Via Crucis on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Colosseum in Rome. However, he has written the meditations to be read during the ceremony, emphasizing that "the economy of God does not kill or crush." This absence marks the third consecutive year the Pope has missed this significant event due to health issues and adverse weather conditions.
According to reports, the Pope, who recently spent 38 days hospitalized at the Gemelli hospital in Rome recovering from a respiratory infection, will instead delegate his duties to Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar of Rome. The Via Crucis, which commemorates the Passion of Christ, is traditionally held on Good Friday and features 14 stations that reflect on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus.
In his meditations, Pope Francis reflects on the need to embrace "the economy of God, which does not kill, does not discard, does not crush. It is humble, faithful to the earth." He contrasts this with what he describes as an "inhumane" economy where "ninety-nine are worth more than one." The Pope's writings call for prayers "to challenge an economy that kills" and for those who feel their journeys have ended at the borders.
During the ceremony, the Pope also prays for peace within the Church and for all nations, stating, "May your peace come for the earth, the air, and the water. May your peace come for the just and the unjust. May your peace come for those who are invisible and voiceless. May your peace come for those without power or money. May your peace come for those who await a just rebirth." His meditations conclude with a call for the "gift of conversion of heart," echoing the sentiments of St. Francis.
As the Vatican has not confirmed the Pope's presence at Holy Week rites, his appearances are expected to be surprises. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, he continued a tradition by visiting the Regina Coeli prison in Rome, where he met with 70 inmates. It remains uncertain whether the Pope will be able to deliver the traditional Easter blessing, "Urbi et Orbi," on Resurrection Sunday from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
In a notable absence from the Good Friday rites, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance attended the solemn liturgy in St. Peter's Basilica alongside his family. The ceremony, which is one of the most significant events in the Catholic liturgical calendar, was held without the Pope due to his ongoing recovery.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, attended the event with his wife, Usha, and their three children, occupying a prominent front-row seat in the basilica. The Vice President is currently on an official visit to Italy, scheduled to conclude on Sunday, April 20, 2025. During his trip, he has already met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and is set to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
The Good Friday liturgy is unique as it is the only day of the year when Mass is not celebrated. Instead, it is marked by silence and reflection on the martyrdom of Jesus Christ, featuring readings, prayers, and the adoration of the Cross. In the absence of Pope Francis, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti presided over the liturgy, which included the reading of the Gospel according to John and a homily delivered by friar Roberto Pasolini, the new preacher of the Pontifical House.
In his homily, Pasolini emphasized that "strength does not save the world, but rather the weakness of love," a poignant message in a time marked by individualism and self-interest. The liturgy concluded with a deacon reminding attendees to pray for Pope Francis, wishing him health and strength to continue guiding the faithful.
As the ceremony progressed, a deacon carried the cross down the central nave of the basilica for adoration, flanked by two others holding lit candles. Despite the absence of the Eucharist on this day, communion was distributed, allowing attendees to participate spiritually in the solemn observance.
Vance's presence at the Vatican not only reflected respect for Christian traditions but also reinforced his international profile in a significant liturgical context. Before attending the Good Friday service, he took to social media to wish a "blessed" Good Friday to Christians worldwide, particularly those in the United States, stating, "He died so that we may live."
This year's observance of Good Friday at the Vatican highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Pope Francis as he navigates his health issues while continuing to provide spiritual guidance through his written meditations and the delegation of duties to trusted Cardinals. The absence of the Pope adds a poignant note to this year's Holy Week celebrations, reminding the faithful of the enduring significance of Christ's sacrifice and the hope of resurrection.
