Pope Francis did not take part in the Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum in Rome, to preserve his health ahead of Easter, the Vatican has said.

The Pope was expected to preside over the event but it was announced before it started that he was following the procession from his home at the Vatican.

He missed last year’s procession due to “extremely cold weather” in Rome.

“To conserve his health in view of the vigil tomorrow and Mass on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis will follow the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this evening from the Casa Santa Marta,” a statement from the Vatican press office said.

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