Pope Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum to protect his health, the Vatican said, making a last-minute decision that added to concerns about his frail condition during a particularly busy period. But just as the event was about to begin, the Vatican announced that Francis was following the event from his home at the Vatican. Brian Hopp, a visitor from Chicago, noted that Francis has had his health challenges this year. I think a lot was taken into it and I think he probably prioritized his health for Easter, which I think is a very responsible thing to do," Hopp said. On Thursday, he left the Vatican to preside over the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual at a Rome women's prison.

---

Persons: Pope Francis, Francis, Monsignor Leonardo Sapienza, Marlene Steuber, Brian Hopp, Hopp, Peter's Organizations: Vatican, Casa Santa Locations: Costa Rica, Rome, Chicago, St, Peter's