Pope withdraws from Good Friday event at last minute ‘to preserve health’

Pope Francis cancelled his attendance at the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum at the last minute, in what the Vatican described as an attempt “to preserve his health” ahead of more Easter week engagements.

Francis’ agenda for the next two days consists of an Easter vigil service on Saturday evening, an Easter mass, and the delivery of his twice-annual Urbi et Orbi (to the city and world) message and blessing on Sunday morning.

The 87-year-old’s sudden no-show is likely to renew concerns about his declining strength. Francis uses a...