Overview

• Pope Francis, 88, is recuperating at the Vatican after a five-week hospital stay for life-threatening double pneumonia, with doctors reporting steady improvement.
• Cardinals Domenico Calcagno, Claudio Gugerotti, and Angelo Comastri have been assigned to lead major Holy Week services in the pope's stead.
• Francis personally composed the meditations for the Via Crucis procession at the Colosseum, maintaining a spiritual presence despite his limited physical participation.
• The pope made a surprise Palm Sunday appearance and held his first formal audience with Gemelli Hospital staff, signaling a gradual return to public engagements.
• Uncertainty surrounds whether Francis will deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi Easter blessing and address, as his recovery continues with reduced reliance on oxygen therapy.