After recovering from bronchitis and spending three nights in the hospital, Pope Francis did not attend the traditional "Way of the Cross" prayer service on Good Friday, said the Vatican.

In his 10 years of the papacy, it was the first time that the Pope missed the annual service, Christianity's most important holiday, which fell two days prior to Easter.

The Vatican left a short statement: "Due to the intense cold of the past days, Pope Francis will follow this evening's Way of the Cross from Casa Santa Marta, joining the prayer of those who will gather with the Diocese of Rome at the Colosseum."

Night-time temperature fell to 10 degrees Celcius this week in Rome, which is an unusual cold streak in the city.

It was recalled that Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on April 1 after a three-night stay for a bronchial infection.

He had participated in various events since his release from the hospital, which included the washing of the feet of 12 young prisoners on Holy Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Pope is expected to lead the Easter mass at St. Peter's Square on Sunday.