It is customary for the Pope to attend the Procession of the Cross in Rome during Easter. But health issues are troubling Pope Francis. Now he has canceled for the second time.

DPope Francis, struggling with ill health, canceled his participation in the traditional procession in Rome at short notice. The Vatican said on Friday evening that this was done “to protect his health”. The 87-year-old will watch the procession from his residence at the Colosseum in Rome.

Last year, the Pope canceled his traditional procession at short notice two days before Easter. This is the first time he has not participated in his parish since 2013.

The Pope had been suffering from ill health for some time. However, on Thursday he washed only the feet of female prisoners for the first time during the annual Maundy Thursday ritual. The 87-year-old visited Rebbia women's prison in Rome's northeastern suburbs, where she washed the feet of twelve inmates in a wheelchair.