Pope Francis eyes holy week return after health battle
Pope Francis, after a long recovery, might be able to participate in the Holy Week celebrations, although the Vatican has not confirmed this. His health is steadily improving, which gives hope for his presence at key events.
What do you need to know?
- Pope Francis is recovering from a serious illness and plans to participate in the Holy Week celebrations at the Vatican.
- Maundy Thursday might be the day the Pope visits the Regina Coeli prison in Rome, if his health allows.
- Good Friday is the time when U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance will visit the Vatican, where he will meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
Pope Francis, who recently experienced a serious illness, is slowly recovering. After spending over five weeks in the hospital due to bilateral pneumonia, the Pope continues therapy at the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Will the Pope visit the Roman prison?
Holy Week at the Vatican is expected to be particularly noteworthy. If his health allows, Pope Francis intends to visit Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Maundy Thursday. According to sources familiar with Vatican plans, the Pope hopes to spend that day at the facility located along the Tiber River. Since the start of his papacy, Francis has consistently chosen to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass outside the Vatican, often in places like hospitals and refugee shelters.
Which ceremonies will be led by cardinals?
During Holy Week, Masses and services will be led by cardinals as the Pope's delegates. On Maundy Thursday, the Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica will be officiated by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno. In the evening, the Mass of the Lord's Supper will be presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
On Good Friday, the Passion service will be led by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, and the homily will be delivered by Father Roberto Pasolini. In the evening, the Way of the Cross will take place at the Colosseum, led by Cardinal Baldassare Reina. The meditations for the Stations of the Cross were written by Pope Francis himself.
On Good Friday, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance will arrive in Rome with his wife Usha. During the Vatican portion of his visit, Vance is expected to be received by the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The visit is anticipated to take place around 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Holy Saturday is the time for the Easter Vigil Mass, to be conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. On Easter Sunday, the Mass in the square in front of the Vatican Basilica will conclude with the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed which ceremonies the Pope will attend, but his presence is expected, especially during the Sunday Mass, where he may give the blessing from the basilica's balcony.
