Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday night, a day after his surprise cancellation of the Stations of the Cross sparked renewed questions about his failing health, AFP reported.

The 87-year-old sovereign pontiff arrived in a wheelchair, dressed in white, shortly before 7:30 p.m. (18:30 GMT) to lead a two-hour celebration attended by thousands of pilgrims from around the world, before a Sunday morning service and blessing of the “Urbi et Orbi”, broadcast on mondovision.

After the lighting ritual in the darkened basilica, which for Catholics symbolizes Christ’s transition from death to life, Francis gave a sermon and baptized eight adults.

His presence was confirmed by the Vatican by mid-afternoon, despite Friday night’s last-minute cancellation of the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum “to preserve his health”.

That cancellation, which occurred minutes before the start of the ceremony, forced organizers to hastily remove the Pope’s chair, and the laconic statement from the Vatican helped reignite questions about Jorge Bergoglio’s frail health.

“La Via Crucis du pape fragile” was Saturday’s headline in La Stampa, while Il Messaggero spoke of “Francis’ resignation.”

The Argentine Jesuit had already canceled his participation in the Via Crucis in 2023, but the decision came after a three-day hospitalization for bronchitis and was announced in advance.