ROME — Pope Francis, who was recently hospitalized, did not join the traditional Way of the Cross nighttime procession in Rome, although he earlier presided over a Good Friday service as part of Holy Week services.

Good Friday commemorates the day Jesus was crucified and died, and the procession re-enacts his final hours over 14 stations, or stops. It is centered on Rome’s Colosseum and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

The pontiff decided at short notice not to take part in the ritual due to the unusually chilly weather on Friday evening. Instead, he joined the faithful in prayers from the Vatican.

Francis was only released from hospital last week after receiving treatment for bronchitis.

This year’s procession was centered on conflict around the world.

Messages of peace were read by two young people from Ukraine and Russia at the 10th station.

The Ukrainian youth told how he fled from the war in Ukraine to Italy. He said his grandmother always comforted him in dark moments with the refrain: “You will see, everything will pass. And with the help of the good Lord, peace will return.”

The Russian youth lost both his grandfather, father and brother in the course of Russia’s partial mobilization of military personnel. His message was, “Jesus, please, make there be peace all over the world and that we can all be brothers and sisters.”

Refugees and clergy from various war-torn and long-suffering regions were also the focus of attention at the stations.

Earlier on Friday, Francis celebrated the Good Friday service “The Passion and Death of the Lord” in St Peter’s Basilica. While he officially presided over the celebration, the sermon was given by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher of the papal household.

The pontiff, dressed in a red robe, was in a wheelchair as he reached St. Peter’s, due to a serious knee condition. He also refrained from lying down and praying before the altar at the start of the liturgy, the customary sign of reverence and prostration before God.

Instead, Francis remained in silent prayer for a few moments.

Good Friday is part of what is known as Holy Week, starting off with with Palm Sunday and leading through to Easter Sunday.

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