"Pope Francis Withdraws from Good Friday Events for Health Reasons"

Pope Francis withdrew from the Good Friday procession at the last minute to preserve his health, citing upcoming Easter week engagements. The 87-year-old, who has been using a cane or wheelchair due to a knee ailment, suffers from repeated bouts of bronchitis and influenza. His absence from the Via Crucis procession at the Colosseum was announced as it was about to start, with the pope following it remotely from his Vatican residence. Despite his declining strength, Francis had written the meditations for this year's procession, which included prayers for persecuted Christians and war victims, as well as praise for meekness and forgiveness.