Just weeks after a serious battle with pneumonia, Pope Francis is expected to take part in Easter celebrations at the Vatican this Sunday, bringing hope and joy to millions of Catholics around the world.
The 88-year-old pontiff was discharged from the hospital on March 23 after spending 38 days receiving treatment. While he’s still recovering and under medical supervision, he’s expected to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony overlooking Saint Peter’s Square at midday (1000 GMT)—a moment that marks the heart of the Easter celebration.
The Vatican hasn’t officially confirmed his attendance, explaining that his participation depends on his health at the time. Although he’s appeared publicly twice in the past week without his oxygen support, his voice remains weak. There’s a chance he might ask someone else to read his Easter message, which usually touches on major global issues.
This Holy Week has been unlike any other for Pope Francis. For the first time since becoming pope in 2013, he missed most of the Holy Week events, including Friday’s Stations of the Cross and Saturday’s Easter Vigil. Cardinals stepped in to lead in his place, though he did make a short appearance on Saturday to greet visitors at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Sunday’s Mass is expected to be a major gathering, with about 300 cardinals, bishops, and priests attending. Thousands of flowers will decorate Saint Peter’s Square, and even larger crowds are expected this year due to the Jubilee—a special Holy Year celebrated every 25 years that draws pilgrims from all over the world.
Adding to the buzz around the Vatican this weekend is the visit of US Vice President JD Vance, who met on Saturday with top Vatican officials. While there’s no confirmation of a meeting with Pope Francis, Easter Sunday might offer that opportunity.
Despite being told to rest for two months, Pope Francis did manage to keep one Holy Week tradition alive by visiting a prison in Rome. However, he was unable to participate in the symbolic foot-washing ceremony, which reflects Jesus’ act of humility during the Last Supper.
When asked by a journalist how he was experiencing this Easter season, the Pope simply smiled and said, in a faint voice, “I am living it as best I can.”
Reports suggest that during his illness, he came close to death twice—a sobering reminder of his fragile health. This year’s Easter is particularly special, as it falls on the same weekend for Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians—a rare alignment of the religious calendars.
