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Pope Francis to Deliver Easter Blessing, Delegates Mass Amid Recovery

The pontiff, recovering from pneumonia, plans to appear at St. Peter’s Square for the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing as cardinals take on key liturgical duties during the Jubilee Holy Year.

Pope Francis stands on the main balcony of St. Peter's basilica for the Urbi et Orbi message and blessing to the city and the world as part of Easter celebrations, at St Peter's square in the Vatican on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP) (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)
Pontifical Swiss guards arrive for the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Cardinal Angelo Comastri arrives with the procession to preside over the Easter mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Overview

  • Pope Francis, 88, is set to deliver the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday but may delegate the Easter Mass reading to Cardinal Angelo Comastri due to his ongoing recovery.
  • The pope, who left the hospital on March 23 after a 38-day stay for pneumonia, has made limited public appearances and continues to rest under medical advice.
  • This year’s Easter celebrations coincide with the Jubilee Holy Year, drawing an estimated one million pilgrims to Rome, significantly increasing attendance at Vatican events.
  • For the first time since his 2013 election, Francis missed most Holy Week rites, including the Stations of the Cross and Easter Vigil, delegating these responsibilities to cardinals.
  • US Vice President JD Vance, in Rome for diplomatic talks, is expected to attend the Easter Mass, with potential for an informal meeting with the pope.