VATICAN CITY – More concern has been raised over Pope Francis’s health after he failed to read the homily on Palm Sunday.

 The pontiff’s health has worsened in the previous months after suffering bouts of bronchitis over winter and visiting hospital for lung scans.

 He was expected to read the homily on Sunday, but after a moment’s silence, the speakers announced the pope would not be giving a homily. This is the first time the pontiff, 87, has not given a homily on Palm Sunday, although he has previously skipped homilies on Easter Sunday.

 Presiding over the service, the pope did not participate in the parade of cardinals throughout St Peter’s Square, although he spoke during mass.

 On Monday, the pontiff met with Rome’s Nigerian community, where he was able to speak with them.

 However, with the Holy Week underway and the pope having many duties to fulfil, concern is growing for an increasingly frail leader.

 khg