The Vatican announced in a statement that Pope Francis, who left the hospital earlier this week after receiving treatment for bronchitis, will be absent from the "Way of the Cross" procession today, which will be held outdoors due to the cold weather.
Matteo Bruni, the spokesperson for the Vatican, responded to a question from Reuters, stating that the 86-year-old Pope Francis will, however, attend the Good Friday Mass taking place inside St. Peter's Basilica. The Vatican indicated that Pope Francis will follow the event from his residence.
This will be the first time that a Pope has missed the "Way of the Cross" procession since being elected in 2013.
