Pope Francis will not attend the Good Friday procession because of “extremely cold temperatures in Rome”, according to the Vatican.
Since he was elected in 2013, it is the first time that the Pope has not presided at the Way of the Cross service at the Colosseum.
According to Matteo Brun, he will attend the indoor Passion of the Lord celebration at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican.
Rome’s temperature was forecast to reach 10C (50 F) Friday night. Recent days have seen a drop in temperature, which has led to light snow outside of the city on Thursday.
It occurs after the elderly 86-year old left hospital last week following a bout with bronchitis.
The Vatican released him after he was discharged. He would continue with Holy Week, including the Easter Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square.
Traditional Easter Sunday blessings are also held on the balcony of the basilica at midday.
Thursday saw the Pope preside over Mass and then washed the feet a dozen Casal del Marmo residents, just outside of Rome.
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The Pope assured the people of their dignity by bending over to pour water on one foot and then using a white towel to dry the foot before kissing it.
This ritual represents the foot-washing Jesus did on his apostles the night before his passing.
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