In a last-minute decision, Pope Francis opted to forego the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, citing concerns about his frail health and the need to conserve his strength for upcoming liturgical events. The Vatican announced that the Pope would follow the Way of the Cross procession from his residence, Casa Santa Marta, instead of attending in person.

The Way of the Cross procession reenacts the Passion and crucifixion of Christ, with meditations composed by Pope Francis for each station. However, moments before the event was scheduled to begin, the Vatican released a statement revealing the Pope's absence at the Colosseum. The decision was made to ensure the Pope's well-being, as he prepared to preside over the Easter Vigil on Saturday and Easter Sunday Mass.

This is not the first time that Pope Francis has been unable to attend the Good Friday procession. In 2023, he missed the event due to recovery from bronchitis and cold weather. The last-minute change this year echoed the memorable Good Friday when St. John Paul II observed the procession from the Apostolic Palace shortly before his passing in 2005.

Although Pope Francis had part of one lung removed during his youth, he has been battling respiratory issues over the winter, described by himself and the Vatican as flu, bronchitis, or a cold. In recent weeks, he has relied on aides to read his speeches aloud, and he even skipped delivering his Palm Sunday homily.

The decision to remain at home during the Good Friday procession appeared spontaneous, as everything was in place for the Pope's presence, including his chair on the platform. Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, his closest aide, adjusted the television screen so that Francis could still witness the proceedings. However, just minutes before the official start, the Vatican press office announced via Telegram that the Pope would not be attending.

Earlier in the day, Pope Francis had shown signs of good health during a Good Friday liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica. Although he remained seated throughout, the event did not demand extensive physical exertion or prolonged speaking.

On Saturday evening, Pope Francis is scheduled to preside over the Easter Vigil, a prominent event in the liturgical calendar. Additionally, he is set to lead Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square and deliver his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) speech, addressing global crises and threats to humanity.

In addition to his respiratory concerns, Pope Francis underwent surgery last year to remove scar tissue from previous procedures related to diverticulosis. He had a segment of his large intestine removed in 2021. In his recently published memoirs, the Pope expressed that he has no health issues that would necessitate his resignation, emphasizing his determination to fulfill numerous ongoing projects.

It remains to be seen how Pope Francis will navigate his busy schedule while ensuring his well-being, prompting concerns among his followers and the world at large about his declining health.