Pope Francis is anticipated to bring joy to Catholics globally during the Easter celebrations at the Vatican this Sunday, just weeks after battling pneumonia in the hospital.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been recovering since leaving the hospital on March 23 after a 38-day treatment period, is expected to deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from a balcony overlooking Saint Peter’s Square at noon on Sunday, marking the most significant Christian celebration.
The Holy See’s press service indicated that Francis will likely attend the Easter Sunday events, but has not confirmed his presence, stating it is contingent on his health.
Although his voice is still weak, there have been improvements in his breathing, and he has made two public appearances in the past week without the nasal cannula he has been using for oxygen. He may assign someone else the task of reading his Easter message, where he typically reflects on global conflicts and crises.
Since his election in 2013, this is the first time the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics has missed most of the Holy Week events, such as Friday’s Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum and Saturday’s Easter vigil at Saint Peter’s Basilica, where he entrusted his responsibilities to cardinals. Nevertheless, he did make a brief visit to Saint Peter’s on Saturday to greet visitors.
Approximately 300 cardinals, bishops, and priests will participate in the Easter mass on Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, at Saint Peter’s Square, adorned with thousands of flowers.
Due to the Jubilee, a “Holy Year” celebrated by the Catholic Church every twenty-five years, organisers anticipate even larger crowds than usual as it draws numerous pilgrims to the Eternal City.
