Pope Francis pulls out of Easter event at last minute

Vatican City: Pope Francis pulled out of Friday s Way of the Cross ceremony at the last minute, with the Vatican saying he wanted to preserve his hea...

Vatican City: Pope Francis pulled out of Friday's Way of the Cross ceremony at the last minute, with the Vatican saying he wanted to "preserve his health" ahead of other Easter events this weekend.

The 87-year-old's armchair had been set out on the hill facing the Colosseum in Rome, but was withdrawn as the announcement came just moments before the Good Friday ceremony.

"To preserve his health ahead of tomorrow's vigil and the Easter Sunday mass, Pope Francis will this evening follow the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum from the Santa Marta Residence," the Vatican said in a statement.

The pope missed last year's open-air ceremony, which took place shortly after he was released from three nights in hospital with bronchitis.

Francis last month caught what the Vatican called a "light flu" that caused him to cancel some events, and he has on several occasions since asked others to read his speeches.