Pope Francis, 87, presided over the Vatican's Easter Vigil service on Saturday night amidst ongoing health concerns. The Pontiff made the last-minute decision to skip the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum as a precautionary measure, opting to conserve his health for the vigil service and the Easter Sunday Mass.

Entering St Peter's Basilica in a wheelchair, Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed earlier in life, took his place in a chair and offered an opening prayer, though he seemed slightly congested and out of breath. Throughout the winter, the Pope has struggled with respiratory problems which have made speaking at length challenging. He has attributed these issues to bronchitis, colds, or the flu.

The decision to forgo the Good Friday procession, traditionally attended by the Pope, raised concerns about his health as it highlighted the impact his respiratory issues were having on major liturgical events at the Vatican. Last year, Francis also skipped the procession due to his recovery from bronchitis.

In addition to his respiratory problems, the Pope underwent surgery to remove part of his large intestine in 2021. Last year, he faced hospitalization twice, with one instance involving the removal of intestinal scar tissue resulting from previous surgeries to address diverticulosis. To aid his mobility, Pope Francis has been relying on a wheelchair or cane for almost two years due to issues with knee ligaments.

The Vatican's decision to prioritize the Pope's well-being was evident as he missed the Palm Sunday homily last week and subsequently opted not to preside over the Way of the Cross procession this year. The Vatican explained that these choices were made to ensure the conservation of his health.

Despite these challenges, Pope Francis continues to fulfill his religious duties, emphasizing his commitment to serving the Church and its followers. The news of his participation in the Vatican's Easter Vigil service brings hope to the faithful during this holy season.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns regarding the Pope's health take on added significance. The Vatican has been cautious when it comes to the Pope's engagements and travels, with a canceled trip to Dubai last year following medical advice.

The faithful eagerly await updates on the Pope's health, praying for his well-being as he carries out his spiritual responsibilities. The resilience and determination of Pope Francis to fulfill his duties in the face of health challenges serve as an inspiration to millions globally.

As the Pope's health remains a pressin