<p>Pope Francis cancelled at the last minute his attendance at the Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, in what the Vatican described as a bid "to preserve his health" ahead of more Easter week engagements.</p>

<p>Francis' agenda for the next two days consists of an Easter Vigil service on Saturday evening and an Easter Mass and the twice-annual "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message and blessing on Sunday morning.</p>

<p>The 87-year-old's sudden no show is likely to renew concerns about his declining strength. Francis uses a cane or a wheelchair to move around due to a knee ailment, and suffers from repeated bouts of bronchitis and influenza.</p>

<p>Good Friday leads on Sunday to Easter, the most important and joyous date in the Church's liturgical calendar - commemorating the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead.</p>

<p>The Vatican announced the pope's absence from the "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) procession just as it was about to start, saying in a statement he would follow it remotely from his Vatican residence.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-washes-and-kisses-feet-of-female-prisoners-in-ritual-ahead-of-easter-705416">Pope Francis, on wheelchair, washes and kisses feet of female prisoners in ritual ahead of Easter</a></p>

<p>Francis, who had looked fitter this week after weeks in which he struggled to speak in public and cancelled some meetings, also missed the procession last year, after recovering from a four-day hospital stay for bronchitis.</p>

<h2><strong>Focus on women</strong></h2>

<p>The Via Crucis at the Colosseum is a re-enactment of Jesus' death by crucifixion, in which participants take turns in holding the cross as they walk in and around the ancient Roman arena, stopping to pray and hear meditations.</p>

<p>Nuns, priests, a hermit, charity workers, migrants and disabled people were among those who took part in the service, held in a landmark monument believed to have been a place of martyrdom for early Christians.</p>

<p>Francis personally wrote the meditations for this year, a first in his 11-year papacy. They included praises for meekness and forgiveness in response to acts of evil, and prayers for persecuted Christians and war victims.</p>

<p>The pope, who has called for the Church to become less male-dominated, also hailed the women who helped Jesus while he carried the cross, and pleaded for "those (women) who in our own day are exploited and endure injustice and indignity".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pope fails to read to the audience; Asks his aide to read instead</strong></p>

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<p>In another sign of his focus on women, Francis on Thursday performed the foot-washing ritual, which recalls Jesus' gesture of humility to his apostles at the Last Supper, in a women's prison in Rome.</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, the pope joined cardinals and bishops for the Passion of the Lord service in St Peter's Basilica, which featured chants in Latin recounting events from Jesus' arrest to his burial.</p>

<p>In previous years, Francis would start the service prostrating himself on the floor of the basilica, but his frail state no longer allows him to do so. Instead, he arrived in a wheelchair and prayed silently in front of the main altar.</p>


Pope Francis cancelled at the last minute his attendance at the Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, in what the Vatican described as a bid "to preserve his health" ahead of more Easter week engagements.

Pope Francis cancelled at the last minute his attendance at the Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, in what the Vatican described as a bid "to preserve his health" ahead of more Easter week engagements. Francis' agenda for the next two days consists of an Easter Vigil service on Saturday evening and an Easter Mass and the twice-annual "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message and blessing on Sunday morning. The 87-year-old's sudden no show is likely to renew concerns about his declining strength. Francis uses a cane or a wheelchair to move around due to a knee ailment, and suffers from repeated bouts of bronchitis and influenza. Good Friday leads on Sunday to Easter, the most important and joyous date in the Church's liturgical calendar - commemorating the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead. The Vatican announced the pope's absence from the "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) procession just as it was about to start, saying in a statement he would follow it remotely from his Vatican residence. Also Read: Pope Francis, on wheelchair, washes and kisses feet of female prisoners in ritual ahead of Easter Francis, who had looked fitter this week after weeks in which he struggled to speak in public and cancelled some meetings, also missed the procession last year, after recovering from a four-day hospital stay for bronchitis. Focus on women The Via Crucis at the Colosseum is a re-enactment of Jesus' death by crucifixion, in which participants take turns in holding the cross as they walk in and around the ancient Roman arena, stopping to pray and hear meditations. Nuns, priests, a hermit, charity workers, migrants and disabled people were among those who took part in the service, held in a landmark monument believed to have been a place of martyrdom for early Christians. Francis personally wrote the meditations for this year, a first in his 11-year papacy. They included praises for meekness and forgiveness in response to acts of evil, and prayers for persecuted Christians and war victims. The pope, who has called for the Church to become less male-dominated, also hailed the women who helped Jesus while he carried the cross, and pleaded for "those (women) who in our own day are exploited and endure injustice and indignity". Watch: Pope fails to read to the audience; Asks his aide to read instead In another sign of his focus on women, Francis on Thursday performed the foot-washing ritual, which recalls Jesus' gesture of humility to his apostles at the Last Supper, in a women's prison in Rome. Earlier on Friday, the pope joined cardinals and bishops for the Passion of the Lord service in St Peter's Basilica, which featured chants in Latin recounting events from Jesus' arrest to his burial. In previous years, Francis would start the service prostrating himself on the floor of the basilica, but his frail state no longer allows him to do so. Instead, he arrived in a wheelchair and prayed silently in front of the main altar.

Pope Francis misses out Good Friday procession 'to preserve his health'

<p>Authorities on Tuesday (Jan 9) imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in parts of Shajapur city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in the aftermath of alleged stone pelting on participants of a religious procession, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local media reported that some fringe elements allegedly pelted stones at a rally of young people, who were distributing Akshat (rice) for the Ram Temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rally was passing through the Magaria neighbourhood in the city and the people in procession were giving Akshat. However, they got into an argument with some unidentified people when they arrived at the Moti Masjid area of Magaria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports said that there was a stampede at the rally after the verbal argument escalated into stone pelting. Members of Hindu organisations also arrived at the scene soon as reports of the incident spread.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A police official said that one person was injured in the incident which took place in the Magaria area on Monday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official added that adequate security has been deployed in the area and an FIR has been&nbsp;registered in this connection. One person was reportedly injured and was rushed to a nearby hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, Shajapur Collector Riju Bafna said that Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed with immediate effect in three areas - Magaria, Kachhiwada and Lalpura.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added the situation is currently peaceful and a case has been registered against the miscreants and further legal action is being taken.&nbsp;</p>


Authorities on Tuesday (Jan 9) imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in parts of Shajapur city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in the aftermath of alleged stone pelting on participants of a religious procession, news agency PTI reported.

Authorities on Tuesday (Jan 9) imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in parts of Shajapur city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh in the aftermath of alleged stone pelting on participants of a religious procession, news agency PTI reported. Local media reported that some fringe elements allegedly pelted stones at a rally of young people, who were distributing Akshat (rice) for the Ram Temple. The rally was passing through the Magaria neighbourhood in the city and the people in procession were giving Akshat. However, they got into an argument with some unidentified people when they arrived at the Moti Masjid area of Magaria. Reports said that there was a stampede at the rally after the verbal argument escalated into stone pelting. Members of Hindu organisations also arrived at the scene soon as reports of the incident spread. A police official said that one person was injured in the incident which took place in the Magaria area on Monday evening. The official added that adequate security has been deployed in the area and an FIR has been registered in this connection. One person was reportedly injured and was rushed to a nearby hospital. As per reports, Shajapur Collector Riju Bafna said that Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed with immediate effect in three areas - Magaria, Kachhiwada and Lalpura. He added the situation is currently peaceful and a case has been registered against the miscreants and further legal action is being taken.

Madhya Pradesh: Section 144 imposed in parts of Shajapur after stone pelting on religious procession

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar on Saturday, July 29. It is for the first time in 34 years that the government has allowed Shia mourners' processions. The LG paid tribute to Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussain and visited the Bota Kadal area of downtown Srinagar to participate in the main procession of the 10th Muharram-Ashura.</p>

<p>He also distributed refreshments to the Shia mourners. Sinha visited the area among tight security and offered 'chadar' to Zuljanah and paid homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain on the occasion. He assured full support to the mourners.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melting-swiss-glacier-coughs-up-body-remains-of-hiker-who-went-missing-in-1986-620545">Melting Swiss glacier coughs up body remains of hiker who went missing in 1986</a></p>

<p>The LG was accompanied by&nbsp;Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Police, Vijay Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V K Bidhuri, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal, and DC Srinagar.</p>

<p>Along with other provisions, strict security arrangements were made. The security agencies said that a foolproof security cover has been given for the Ashura procession.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asian-masalanomics-for-spice-trade-spiced-up-in-vietnam-2000-years-ago-reveals-study-620534">Asian masalanomics for spice trade spiced up in Vietnam 2000 years ago, reveals study</a></p>

<p>The procession is going on peacefully and allowing the historic procession shows the "changing Kashmir".</p>

<p>"We have ensured a foolproof security cover for the Ashura procession, and it will continue till Imam Bara Zadibal, Srinagar where it will end. We have made foolproof security arrangements for the smooth conduct of Ashura, in which Shia mourners are taking out a Zuljanah procession from Bota Kadal area to Imambara Zadibal. Officials have been deployed on the ground since midnight to ensure deployment as per plan. Allowing the historic procession after a long gap reflects the changing Kashmir, and nothing is possible without the cooperation of all the people," said Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Shia community of Kashmir has thanked the LG administration for ensuring quality arrangements. They were happy to see LG Manoj Sinha participating in the procession. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Rains soak Northern China as Doksuri makes its way to Beijing</strong></p>

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<p>“It is a matter of great pleasure as we have been demanding this for decades. The previous governments had made many excuses, but this time the government has shown that if they want to allow it, they can. We have got full cooperation from the administration. LG has himself joined us today, we are very happy that he came to be a part of the procession, '' said Syed Hasan, a Shia Mourner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the second major step by the administration in the last three days. Earlier, on 8th Muharram, for the first time after 34 years, the administration had given permission to take out a procession from Guru Bazar to MA Road to Dalgate. And, on July 29 for the first time, the head of the administration himself took part in the Zulanah procession.&nbsp;</p>

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The Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar on Saturday, July 29. It is for the first time in 34 years that the government has allowed Shia mourners' processions.

The Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha participated in the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar on Saturday, July 29. It is for the first time in 34 years that the government has allowed Shia mourners' processions. The LG paid tribute to Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussain and visited the Bota Kadal area of downtown Srinagar to participate in the main procession of the 10th Muharram-Ashura. He also distributed refreshments to the Shia mourners. Sinha visited the area among tight security and offered 'chadar' to Zuljanah and paid homage to Hazrat Imam Hussain on the occasion. He assured full support to the mourners. Also Read | Melting Swiss glacier coughs up body remains of hiker who went missing in 1986 The LG was accompanied by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Police, Vijay Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V K Bidhuri, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal, and DC Srinagar. Along with other provisions, strict security arrangements were made. The security agencies said that a foolproof security cover has been given for the Ashura procession. Also Read | Asian masalanomics for spice trade spiced up in Vietnam 2000 years ago, reveals study The procession is going on peacefully and allowing the historic procession shows the "changing Kashmir". "We have ensured a foolproof security cover for the Ashura procession, and it will continue till Imam Bara Zadibal, Srinagar where it will end. We have made foolproof security arrangements for the smooth conduct of Ashura, in which Shia mourners are taking out a Zuljanah procession from Bota Kadal area to Imambara Zadibal. Officials have been deployed on the ground since midnight to ensure deployment as per plan. Allowing the historic procession after a long gap reflects the changing Kashmir, and nothing is possible without the cooperation of all the people," said Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir Police. The Shia community of Kashmir has thanked the LG administration for ensuring quality arrangements. They were happy to see LG Manoj Sinha participating in the procession. Watch | Rains soak Northern China as Doksuri makes its way to Beijing × “It is a matter of great pleasure as we have been demanding this for decades. The previous governments had made many excuses, but this time the government has shown that if they want to allow it, they can. We have got full cooperation from the administration. LG has himself joined us today, we are very happy that he came to be a part of the procession, '' said Syed Hasan, a Shia Mourner. This was the second major step by the administration in the last three days. Earlier, on 8th Muharram, for the first time after 34 years, the administration had given permission to take out a procession from Guru Bazar to MA Road to Dalgate. And, on July 29 for the first time, the head of the administration himself took part in the Zulanah procession. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

In a first, LG Manoj Sinha attends 10th Muharram procession in Kashmir valley

<p>The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday lifted a 33-year-old ban that prohibited Shia Muslims from taking out processions during the month of mourning, known as Muharram. This ban was initially imposed in 1989 during the onset of the armed insurgency in the valley.</p>

<p>Over 25,000 Shia mourners in Srinagar participated in the procession, following the traditional route of Gurubazar-Lal Chowk-Dalgate. The decision to lift the ban was hailed by Lieutenant-Governor's administration as a "peace dividend" and a testament to normalcy returning in the region.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-support-to-taliban-regime-emboldens-terror-inside-its-borders-un-report-619894">Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report</a></p>

<p>The Muharram procession commenced around 6 a.m. from Gurubazar and concluded peacefully at Dalgate around 11 a.m., covering a distance of approximately 5 km.</p>

<p>The mourners, carrying black flags, commemorated the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad's grandson, during the 1400 years old battle in Karbala, present-day Iraq, in the Islamic month of Muharram.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-doksuri-lashes-philippines-as-china-and-taiwan-stay-alert-619883">Typhoon Doksuri lashes Philippines as China and Taiwan stay alert&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>“We have been longing and struggling all these years to take out the procession. It’s a dream come true,” media reports cited one Amir Jaffar, a Shia mourner, as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Historic milestone&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Imran Reza Ansari, president of the All J&amp;K Shia Association, hailed the occasion as a "historic milestone" that represented faith and unity.</p>

<p>Prominent Shia cleric Masroor Abbas Ansari also welcomed the decision and praised the discipline shown by the Shia mourners. However, he suggested that the allotted time for the procession (6 a.m. to 8 a.m.) should be reviewed for future events.</p>

<h2><strong>Security measures&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>To ensure a peaceful event, the L-G administration put stringent security measures in place and deployed additional personnel along the procession route since 2 a.m., vigilantly monitoring for any miscreants.</p>

<p>L-G Manoj Sinha acknowledged the historical significance of the procession and hailed it as a testimony to the changing and normalising situation in J&amp;K. He expressed the government's commitment to fostering a peaceful and harmonious society.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian defence minister's Pyongyang visit | Putin to meet African leaders&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>“I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his ideals. Today is a historic occasion for Shia brethren in Kashmir valley as after 34 years eighth Muharram procession is taking place on the traditional route,” L-G Manoj Sinha reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The entire world is witnessing the commitment and determination of the government to ensure a peaceful environment, freedom, love, compassion and harmony in society,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Positive reactions from officials</strong></h2>

<p>Aijaz Asad, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, viewed the lifting of the ban as one of the dividends of "peace".</p>

<p>Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Vijay Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Balwal closely monitored the event, and the J&amp;K Police deemed the decision to allow the procession as "another historic landmark".</p>

<p>National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah welcomed the L-G administration's decision and said, “I would like the administration to take a few more right steps in the right direction to restore actual normalcy in J&amp;K. There should be no restrictions on Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid, Srinagar, and Eid prayers be allowed at Eidgah. Restrictions on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should also be lifted so that he can fulfil his religious obligations."&nbsp;</p>

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The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday lifted a 33-year-old ban that prohibited Shia Muslims from taking out processions during the month of mourning, known as Muharram.

The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday lifted a 33-year-old ban that prohibited Shia Muslims from taking out processions during the month of mourning, known as Muharram. This ban was initially imposed in 1989 during the onset of the armed insurgency in the valley. Over 25,000 Shia mourners in Srinagar participated in the procession, following the traditional route of Gurubazar-Lal Chowk-Dalgate. The decision to lift the ban was hailed by Lieutenant-Governor's administration as a "peace dividend" and a testament to normalcy returning in the region. Also Read | Pakistan's support to Taliban regime emboldens terror inside its borders: UN report The Muharram procession commenced around 6 a.m. from Gurubazar and concluded peacefully at Dalgate around 11 a.m., covering a distance of approximately 5 km. The mourners, carrying black flags, commemorated the sacrifice of Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad's grandson, during the 1400 years old battle in Karbala, present-day Iraq, in the Islamic month of Muharram. Also Read | Typhoon Doksuri lashes Philippines as China and Taiwan stay alert “We have been longing and struggling all these years to take out the procession. It’s a dream come true,” media reports cited one Amir Jaffar, a Shia mourner, as saying. Historic milestone Imran Reza Ansari, president of the All J&K Shia Association, hailed the occasion as a "historic milestone" that represented faith and unity. Prominent Shia cleric Masroor Abbas Ansari also welcomed the decision and praised the discipline shown by the Shia mourners. However, he suggested that the allotted time for the procession (6 a.m. to 8 a.m.) should be reviewed for future events. Security measures To ensure a peaceful event, the L-G administration put stringent security measures in place and deployed additional personnel along the procession route since 2 a.m., vigilantly monitoring for any miscreants. L-G Manoj Sinha acknowledged the historical significance of the procession and hailed it as a testimony to the changing and normalising situation in J&K. He expressed the government's commitment to fostering a peaceful and harmonious society. Watch | Russian defence minister's Pyongyang visit | Putin to meet African leaders × “I bow to the martyrs of Karbala and recall sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his ideals. Today is a historic occasion for Shia brethren in Kashmir valley as after 34 years eighth Muharram procession is taking place on the traditional route,” L-G Manoj Sinha reportedly said. “The entire world is witnessing the commitment and determination of the government to ensure a peaceful environment, freedom, love, compassion and harmony in society,” he added. Positive reactions from officials Aijaz Asad, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, viewed the lifting of the ban as one of the dividends of "peace". Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Vijay Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Balwal closely monitored the event, and the J&K Police deemed the decision to allow the procession as "another historic landmark". National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah welcomed the L-G administration's decision and said, “I would like the administration to take a few more right steps in the right direction to restore actual normalcy in J&K. There should be no restrictions on Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid, Srinagar, and Eid prayers be allowed at Eidgah. Restrictions on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should also be lifted so that he can fulfil his religious obligations." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Testimony to normalcy in J-K,' says LG as Shias take out Muharram procession after 33 years

The body of Iran's assassinated top nuclear scientist is now been taken to the holy shrines ahead of his burial. The mourning ceremony & also the procession took place for Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in the Iranian city Mashhad.

Iran's top nuclear scientists body taken to holy shrines ahead of burial

Christmas fever has begun to grip India ahead of the festivities of the winter holiday season. School students were joined by residents of India's southern Thiruvananthapuram city on Saturday, as they wore Christmas-themed costumes and marched with a band playing carols in a procession.

Santa Claus, carols spread Christmas cheer in India

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