Pope Francis is set to join the global Catholic faithful in celebrating Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican, despite recent health challenges that had kept him from most Holy Week activities.
According to the AFP, the 88-year-old pontiff, who was hospitalized with pneumonia for over a month, was discharged on March 23 after 38 days of treatment. Though still recovering, he is expected to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica at noon local time (10:00 GMT), marking the climax of the Easter celebrations.
“The Pope’s participation in Easter Mass is likely, but will depend on how he feels on the day,” the Vatican’s press office stated. Although his breathing has improved, his voice remains weak, and he may delegate the reading of his Easter message — which typically addresses global conflicts and crises — to another cleric.
Pope Francis has made only two brief public appearances since leaving the hospital, both without the oxygen nasal cannula he had been using. He made a surprise greeting at Saint Peter’s Square on Saturday, offering smiles and waves to pilgrims.
Due to his fragile condition, the Pope missed several key Holy Week observances for the first time since his papacy began in 2013. These included the Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum and the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night, which was led by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
When asked about his health and experience this Easter, the Pope reportedly told a journalist, “I am living it as best I can,” in a raspy but warm voice.
Sunday’s Easter Mass is expected to draw record crowds to Saint Peter’s Square, which has been adorned with thousands of flowers. The event coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, held every 25 years, which attracts pilgrims from across the globe.
Adding to the significance of the day is the presence of U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Rome. While there has been no confirmation of a meeting between him and the Pope, he met on Saturday with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Secretary for Relations with States.
This year’s Easter celebration is also unique in that it falls on the same weekend for Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians — a rare alignment of the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
Despite health setbacks and ongoing recovery, Pope Francis’ anticipated participation in Easter Mass will be a moment of hope and inspiration for millions around the world.
