"Pope Francis Prioritizes Health, Will Preside Over Easter Vigil After Skipping Good Friday Event"

Pope Francis skipped a Good Friday service at the last minute "to preserve his health" ahead of major Easter events, following an operation on his abdomen last year and battling bouts of bronchitis, cold, and flu. He had aides read out several speeches and was in the hospital for tests recently. The 87-year-old pontiff presided over the Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at St Peter’s Basilica earlier in the day and followed the Stations of the Cross service from his residence. In his reflections, he addressed contemporary concerns such as online hatred, exploitation of women, and the trauma of war, while appealing for an end to hasty judgment and violent words.