Due to ongoing health concerns, Pope Francis has decided to delegate the main Holy Week ceremonies to various cardinals of the Roman Curia. The Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday will be celebrated by Italian Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, while Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti will officiate the Mass on Good Friday. The traditional Stations of the Cross will be presided over by Cardinal Baldassare Reina, with texts for the meditations written by Pope Francis.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis continues to recover from his health issues, showing improvement in mobility, breathing, and voice. He recently appeared without nasal cannulas during an audience with Gemelli Hospital staff and has been receiving senior Curia officials to continue their work. Despite his health concerns, Pope Francis has been actively involved in certain aspects of the Holy Week ceremonies, including writing the meditation texts for the Stations of the Cross.
The Holy Saturday Vigil will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, who will enter St. Peter’s Basilica in procession, carrying the candle, to celebrate the Easter Vigil. On Easter Sunday, Cardinal Angelo Comastri will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Square at 10:15 a.m. local time. The details of the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing and Pope Francis’ potential presence at the Holy Week rites have not been confirmed.