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Pope Francis Visits Prison as He Continues Recovery During Holy Week

The 88-year-old pontiff, still convalescing from double pneumonia, delegated key Holy Week services to cardinals but upheld his tradition of ministering to marginalized communities.

Pope Francis visits Regina Coeli prison in Rome, Italy April 17, 2025. Vatican Media/­Handout Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS
Pope Francis talks to journalists as he leaves at the end of his visit to the Regina Coeli penitentiary in Rome on Holy Thursday, Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Pope Francis arrives at the end of the mass on Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Sunday, April 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Overview

  • Pope Francis visited Rome's Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday, meeting with 70 inmates in line with his longstanding commitment to prison ministry.
  • Despite his recovery from life-threatening double pneumonia, the pope's health remains fragile, and he has delegated major Holy Week liturgical duties to senior cardinals.
  • Francis has shown signs of improvement, appearing without oxygen support and resuming limited public activities, including surprise prayer visits and his first formal audience since leaving the hospital.
  • The Vatican confirmed that the pope personally composed the meditations for the Via Crucis procession at the Colosseum, though others will lead the event.
  • Uncertainty surrounds the pope's role in delivering the traditional Easter Sunday 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing, as his participation remains undecided.