Pope keeps faithful guessing over Easter appearances

As Easter approaches, Catholic faithful are left wondering how much of the celebrations Pope Francis, 88, will be able to attend after recovering from life-threatening pneumonia.

The Easter week is a pinnacle of Christian observance, with events like the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum and the Easter Vigil liturgy, traditionally presided over by the pope. However, after nearly 40 days in Rome's Gemelli hospital, Francis is expected to miss most of the week's events for the first time since becoming pope in 2013.

Doctors advised the pope to rest for at least two months after his release on March 23, limiting his public appearances and contact with crowds.

Despite the advice, the pope has made several surprise appearances, including attending Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where he greeted around 20,000 faithful. He also met with King Charles III and Queen Camilla and visited St. Peter's Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

While speculation about his health and possible resignation continues, Vatican officials have said Francis’ condition is improving, with progress in his motor abilities, breathing, and voice. However, it remains uncertain how much of Holy Week he will participate in, especially the Easter Sunday services.

The Vatican has confirmed that the pope will still deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday, though it’s unclear if he will read the text himself or delegate the task. The blessing, a gesture of goodwill to both believers and non-believers, holds special significance as Rome prepares for the Church's 2025 Jubilee.

Whether Francis will attend other key events like Maundy Thursday’s Chrism Mass, Good Friday’s Way of the Cross, or Saturday’s Easter Vigil remains uncertain. In 2023 and 2024, the pope skipped the Stations of the Cross due to health reasons but attended the Easter Vigil.

Sister Ermelinda Pettenon, an Italian nun, reflected on Francis’ struggle, saying, "The important thing is that he accepts this time of suffering and trial."