Pope Francis Skipping Good Friday Events to 'Conserve His Health' For Easter

 In order to preserve his health, the Vatican said Pope Francis did not attend a Good Friday event.

Pope Francis skipped a Good Friday procession at the Colosseum, according to Reuters. It was the first Pope Francis, 87, skipped the traditional event in his 11-year papacy, The Associated Press reported.

St. John Paul II skipped the same event before his death in 2005, according to the AP.

“To conserve his health in view of the vigil tomorrow and Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening from the Casa Santa Marta,” a statement from the Vatican press office said, according to the AP.