Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Pope Relives Holy Week with Passion

Holy Week

VATICAN CITY (Reuters)--excerpt

For the first time in his papacy, now in its 27th year, the leader of the world's some 1.1 billion Roman Catholics has delegated all of this week's Holy Week activities except his Easter Sunday blessing to senior cardinals.

Vatican sources have said he would miss the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) service at the Colosseum on Good Friday, the day Christians commemorate Christ's passion and death.

It was the only event during Holy Week that the Pope had not previously delegated to cardinals, leaving some hope that he might be able to attend colorful ritual.

The Pontiff will instead watch on television and if his health permits, join the ceremony via a video link.

"For him, this Holy Week is truly one of sacrifice. He's reliving it with passion," Cardinal Laghi said.

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