As Holy Week approaches, the Vatican has released the official schedule of liturgical celebrations. However, it remains unclear whether Pope Francis will be able to preside over any of the ceremonies, as the Holy Father continues to recover from a serious illness.
According to the Holy See Press Office, “it will be necessary to monitor the improvement of the pope’s health in the coming weeks to assess his possible presence, and under what conditions, at the Holy Week rites.” Pope Francis was recently discharged from the hospital after a 38-day stay due to double pneumonia. Doctors have prescribed “complete rest for at least two months,” with expectations that he will be able to resume his full schedule by the end of May.
Holy Week Schedule at the Vatican
Despite uncertainty over Pope Francis’ participation, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, papal master of ceremonies, has announced the planned schedule of Holy Week events:
- Palm Sunday (April 13) – Mass in St. Peter’s Square at 10 a.m. local time, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
- Holy Thursday (April 17) – Chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at 9:30 a.m., featuring the blessing of holy oils and the renewal of priestly vows. In past years, Pope Francis has commemorated the Lord’s Supper in a Roman prison, washing the feet of 12 people in remembrance of Jesus’ act of humility.
- Good Friday (April 18) – The Passion of the Lord will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica at 5 p.m., followed by the traditional Way of the Cross at the Colosseum at 9:15 p.m. “Last year, the Holy Father, suffering from bronchitis, was unable to attend this event,” according to the Vatican.
- Holy Saturday (April 19) – The Easter Vigil will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica at 7:30 p.m., beginning with the lighting of the fire and the blessing of the paschal candle.
- Easter Sunday (April 20) – The celebration of the Lord’s resurrection will take place in St. Peter’s Square at 10:30 a.m., followed by the urbi et orbi blessing to the city of Rome and the world.
Divine Mercy Sunday and Canonization of Carlo Acutis
One week after Easter, on April 27, the Vatican will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, a feast established by Pope St. John Paul II in honor of God’s boundless mercy. During this special Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Blessed Carlo Acutis, often called the “cyber apostle of the Eucharist,” will be canonized, making him the first millennial saint.
A Time of Prayer for the Pope
As Catholics around the world prepare to enter into the holiest season of the Church, prayers for Pope Francis’ health are being encouraged. His potential absence from these celebrations would mark a significant moment in his pontificate, highlighting the challenges of advancing age and ongoing health concerns. Regardless of his physical presence, the faithful are invited to journey through Holy Week with deep reverence and devotion, uniting their prayers with the universal Church.
As the Holy See has stated, the pope’s participation remains contingent on his recovery. For now, all eyes are on Rome as Holy Week approaches, awaiting further updates on whether Pope Francis will be able to lead the Church through these sacred days.
