Pope Francis opted not to deliver his homily during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, in an apparent last-minute decision.

Francis' prepared text for the homily had already been handed out to the media, but when it came time for him to deliver it about midway through the service he declined, leaving the crowd waiting in silence, according to the Associated Press.

The pope, 87, has been dealing with various health issues including respiratory problems.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church did deliver a prayer at the end of the mass in what was described as a raspy voice and was clearly fatigued, according to Catholic News site Crux.

The service opens Holy Week, the most important period on the Christian calendar.

The Vatican press office later said the homily was replaced by "a moment of silence and prayer."

An estimated 60,000 people attended the Mass.

The pope is scheduled to travel to a woman's prison for the traditional "washing of the feet" ritual that the bible says Jesus carried out the night before his crucifixion.