Pope Francis draws fire with plan to include Russian and Ukrainian families in Good Friday 'Way of the Cross' procession

Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which comprises some 5 million worshippers, said in a video statement that he considered the idea"untimely, ambiguous, and such that it does not take into account the context of Russia's military aggression againstHe said the texts and gestures of the 13th station in the procession were"incoherent and even offensive, especially in the context of theThe Vatican's Ambassador to Ukraine,...

Father Antonio Spadaro, a close advisor to Francis, defended the pope's choice, saying on Italian TV that the head of the Catholic Church is a pastor, not a politician."I understand that in this specific situation this is a very painful gesture that could be misunderstood," he said."In a moment such as this one, a very difficult moment… the message that Pope Francis can give is a prophetic one from the gospel — a message of reconciliation.

For the past two years the Way of the Cross has been held in St. Peter's Square without the usual crowds, due to concerns over the coronavirus. But this year the solemn celebration returns to the Coliseum, where it has been held since the 18th century. Francis used to carry the wooden cross from station to station himself, but now he assigns the meditations to different groups or individuals. Past bearers have included Roman children and prisoners.

The theme for this year's procession is the many"crosses" of family life. Besides the Russian and Ukrainian families, this year's procession will include reflections from a childless couple, families coping with illness and migrant families.

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