Pope Francis will preside over Saturday night's Easter Vigil, despite skipping the Good Friday procession at the last minute, according to the Vatican.

Francis, 87, unexpectedly sat out the procession as a health precaution.

The Vatican's daily bulletin confirmed that the Pope would lead the vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, which is considered one of the most solemn and important occasions on the Catholic liturgical calendar.  

The Vatican City vigil is slated to begin at 7:30 pm, and lasts about two hours.

It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus.

Francis had part of a lung removed when he was much younger and has recently battled respiratory issues. These issues have made it difficult to speak at times. 

In the past, Fracis canceled some audiences and asked an aide to read aloud some of his speeches. 

This year he skipped his Palm Sunday homily, as well as the Good Friday procession, commemorating Jesus' crucifixion.

In a brief statement, the Vatican said the decision was made to conserve the Pope's health so close to the vigil service on Saturday and the taxing obligations of Easter Sunday.  

The pope is due to preside over a morning Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square and deliver his Urbi et Orbi — "to the city and the world" — speech praying for an end to global crises.

Francis skipped the Good Friday procession last year as well due to bronchitis. 

He has had other medical issues in the past as well, including having a portion of his large intestine removed in 2021, and two hospitalizations last year.