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Pope Francis Delegates Holy Week Duties While Recovery Limits Public Appearances

The pontiff, still recovering from double pneumonia, skips the Colosseum Via Crucis for the third year but maintains influence through meditations and surprise visits.

Pope Francis visits Regina Coeli prison in Rome on April 17, 2025.
Workers place a crucifix on the altar of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican during the preparations for the celebration of the passion of Christ, Friday, April 18, 2025.
Usha Vance looks back at US Vice President JD Vance, carrying their daughter Mirabel, as they disembark Air Force Two upon arriving in Rome, Italy, on April 18.
Pope Francis greets cardinals as he unexpectedly appears during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 13, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

Overview

  • Pope Francis, 88, is limiting public appearances on doctors' orders as he continues recovering from a severe bout of double pneumonia earlier this year.
  • He delegated the leadership of Holy Week liturgies, including the Good Friday 'Way of the Cross' at Rome's Colosseum, to cardinals for the third consecutive year.
  • The pope personally prepared the meditations for this year's Via Crucis, addressing themes such as war, economic challenges, and women's roles in the Church.
  • On Holy Thursday, Francis made a surprise visit to Regina Coeli prison, where he expressed solidarity with inmates but refrained from performing the traditional foot-washing ritual due to health constraints.
  • The Vatican has not confirmed whether the pope will deliver the Easter Sunday 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing, leaving uncertainty around his participation in upcoming Easter ceremonies.