Holy Week and Easter mark the pinnacle of the Christian calendar — a sacred period of prayer, reflection, and solemn liturgy that draws pilgrims and heads of state alike to the Eternal City.
Traditionally, the pope stands at the center of these celebrations, guiding the faithful through Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. But this year, the Vatican finds itself navigating unfamiliar waters.
Pope Francis, 88, is in the midst of a fragile recovery from a severe case of double pneumonia that nearly claimed his life last month. Though discharged from hospital on March 23, doctors prescribed a two-month recovery regimen, citing vocal strain and respiratory limitations. As a result, the Holy Father has largely delegated public liturgical duties to cardinals — a move not seen in recent decades.
A Pope in Recovery, But Not in Retreat
Despite his convalescence, Francis remains determined to be visible during the Church’s most important week. He has made several surprise appearances, including an emotional visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday. While he was unable to perform the traditional foot-washing ritual, the pope spent 30 minutes with inmates, offering his prayers and solidarity.
“This year I cannot do it,” he told them gently, “but I can and want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families.”
The foot-washing tradition, symbolizing Christ’s humility and service, is one the pope has prioritized throughout his pontificate — often taking it beyond the Vatican walls to prisons, refugee shelters, and care homes.
“He refuses to be idle,” one Vatican official said. “He may be physically weak, but his pastoral heart is strong.”
Vatican Juggles Pastoral Care and Politics
The pope’s limited public role comes at a time of heightened diplomatic sensitivity. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a recent Catholic convert, is in Rome with his family for the Easter celebrations. He is expected to attend the Good Friday liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica and meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on Holy Saturday.
The visit adds a layer of complexity to an already tense relationship between the Vatican and the U.S. administration. Vance and Pope Francis diverge sharply on issues like migration and social justice. Their latest disagreement stems from Vance’s invocation of ordo amoris — a theological concept — to defend U.S. immigration policies. The pope publicly countered the vice president’s interpretation, urging a “fraternity open to all, without exception,” rooted in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Still, the Vatican remains open to dialogue. “We meet not because we agree on everything,” a senior official noted, “but because our duty is to seek peace and common ground.”
All Eyes on Easter Sunday
Back in the Vatican, preparations for the Easter Triduum are in full swing. Workers have raised the crucifix in St. Peter’s Basilica in anticipation of the Good Friday Passion liturgy. Yet questions loom over Easter Sunday’s climax: the Urbi et Orbi blessing. Traditionally delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s, this solemn benediction is reserved for the pope alone.
While the Vatican has not confirmed whether Francis will appear, his recent surprise visits — often dressed informally and forgoing the white cassock — have given the faithful reason to hope.
After 38 days in hospital and weeks of rehabilitation, Pope Francis may not be leading liturgies in full voice, but his presence — however brief or silent — continues to speak volumes.
