Pope Francis Skips Good Friday Ceremony in Last-Minute Move

Pope Francis skipped out on a Good Friday procession in Rome on Friday night in an apparent last-minute decision that has fueled speculation surrounding the 87-year-old’s physical condition.

A press release from the Vatican said Pope Francis stayed home during the Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum “to preserve his health,” in the lead up to the final Holy Week events.

The procession is meant to re-enact Jesus of Nazareth’s carrying of the cross before his crucifixion with the Pope presiding over the event. Instead, Pope Francis followed the event remotely from the Casa Santa Marta, where he lives.

Read more at The Daily Beast.