For the past few weeks, Francis has generally avoided delivering long speeches to avoid the strain on his breathing. He ditched his Palm Sunday homily last week and decided at the last minute to stay home from the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
The Vatican said in a brief explanation that the decision was made to “conserve his health”.
The decision appeared to have paid off, as Francis was able to recite the prayers of the lengthy Saturday night Easter Vigil service, including administering the sacraments of Baptism and First Communion to eight new Catholics, and preside over Easter Sunday Mass.
After a busy Holy Week, Francis should have some time to recover as there are no major foreign trips scheduled for several months.