Pope Francis’ health continues to steadily improve, and although he will not be presiding over all Holy Week liturgies, he has delegated three cardinals to celebrate key events. Italian Cardinal Domenico Calcagno will celebrate the Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Holy Thursday morning. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti will lead the Passion service on Good Friday afternoon, while Cardinal Baldassare Reina will preside over the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum with meditations written by Francis.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis has made several unexpected appearances in recent days, indicating a gradual return to public life. He surprised tourists and pilgrims in St. Peter’s Basilica on April 10 and visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major on April 12 to pray before the “Salus Populi Romani” icon. On Palm Sunday, April 13, he made a brief appearance in St. Peter’s Square without nasal tubes for breathing assistance, a sign of his improving health.
It remains unclear how much Pope Francis will participate in Holy Week and Easter liturgies at the Vatican. The decision on who will celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass and Easter Sunday Mass has not been made yet. Despite his improving health, Francis is expected to continue his convalescence for several more weeks.