"Pope Francis Opts for Health, Pulls Out of Easter Event to Safeguard Well-being"

   Pope Francis, aged 87, decided to withdraw from the Way of the Cross ceremony on Friday, citing the need to "preserve his health" ahead of other Easter events scheduled for the weekend. The announcement came abruptly, just moments before the Good Friday ceremony was set to commence at the hill facing the Colosseum in Rome. Although his armchair had been arranged for the event, it was later withdrawn, and the Vatican released a statement explaining the decision.

The Vatican clarified that Pope Francis opted to follow the Way of the Cross from the Santa Marta Residence to safeguard his health, especially considering the upcoming Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday mass. This isn't the first time the Pope has faced health concerns; last year, he missed the same open-air ceremony following a three-night hospital stay due to bronchitis.

Notably, for the first time during his papacy, Pope Francis personally penned the texts to be read out at each of the 14 Stations of the Cross, symbolizing Christ's journey from condemnation to crucifixion. Despite missing the Way of the Cross ceremony, the Pope is scheduled to preside over the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday and deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" address.

Pope Francis, who underwent surgery to remove part of a lung in his youth, has experienced several health issues in recent years, including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and hernia surgery in June last year. Additionally, he canceled a visit to the COP28 UN climate talks in December due to flu-like symptoms. Despite these health challenges, Pope Francis continues to fulfill his duties as the head of the Catholic Church since assuming the role in 2013.

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