Pope Francis laments suffering in the world on Good Friday

Pope Francis lamented the suffering in the world in texts read out by various people and groups late Friday during the traditional Stations of the Cross devotion in front of the Colosseum in Rome.

The pontiff did not join the traditional night-time Way of the Cross procession in Rome on Good Friday.

But in memory of Jesus Christ and his sufferings, the head of the Roman Catholic Church addressed his prayer on Good Friday to people "who suffer persecution for your name in so many parts of the world; those who suffer from the drama of war and those who draw strength from you and carry heavy crosses."

Pope Francis is usually on hand to follow the procession.

But in order to protect his health with a view to the Easter Vigil service on Saturday and mass on Easter Sunday, the head of the Roman Catholic Church decided to follow the "Via Crucis" at the Colosseum from his residence in the Vatican, the Holy See said earlier.

Observers had previously wondered whether Francis, 87, would take part in the "Via Crucis" procession outdoors. He has been in poor health for several months.

Last year Francis also elected not to take part in the ritual, also at short notice.

At the time, Francis was just recovering from bronchitis.

The pontiff is currently struggling with the consequences of a respiratory infection. He finds it difficult to speak for long periods of time.

In the afternoon, the pontiff celebrated the Good Friday liturgy "Suffering and Death of the Lord" in St. Peter's Basilica.

Good Friday commemorates the day Jesus of Nazareth, who Christians believe was the son of God, was crucified and died, and the procession re-enacts his final hours over 14 stations, or stops. It is centred on Rome's Colosseum and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

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