Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle did not lead the scheduled Good Friday liturgy for the group of Filipino priests in Italy.
The Pontificio Collegio Filippino, an association of Filipino priests who are taking up further studies in Rome, announced Thursday that Tagle got laser treatment to address a “tiny tear” in the retina of his left eye on March 31.
The 63-year-old Tagle did not experience pain and has been allowed by the doctor to use his computer and watch TV, according to the group’s rector Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston.
“He needs to rest for a few days to avoid too much head movement. For this reason, he will see to what extent he would participate in our online Easter Triduum services,” Gaston said in a statement. “Card. Tagle thanks us all for our concern and prayers, and likewise prays for us.”
Tagle has appeared in online recollections during the Holy Week, with a message of renewal and reunion with Christ.
Meanwhile, the Collegio warned the public against scammers who claim to be soliciting funds for Tagle’s eye treatment.
Other Filipino priests in the Vatican took Tagle’s place in leading the Siete Palabras or Seven Last Words and Adoration of the Cross, which was streamed on Facebook starting 7:30 p.m. (Manila time).
Tagle, a Cardinal-Bishop, has been staying in the Vatican since 2020. He tested positive for COVID-19 in September last year when he visited Manila and has since recovered.
