Pope Francis delegates Holy Week liturgies while recovering from double pneumonia

Pope Francis has delegated three cardinals to preside over this year’s Holy Week liturgies as he continues recovering from double pneumonia, the Holy See has announced.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Tuesday during a press briefing that Cardinal Domenico Calcagno will celebrate the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday in St. Peter’s Basilica, and Cardinals Claudio Gugerotti and Baldassare Reina will lead Good Friday liturgies at the Vatican and the Colosseum, respectively.

The pope managed to make a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square at the end of Palm Sunday Mass, notably without nasal oxygen tubes. His homily, however, was read by Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.

“We do not know what went on in Simon’s heart,” read Cardinal Sandri. “Let us imagine ourselves in his place: would we feel anger or pity, compassion or annoyance? When we think of what Simon did for Jesus, we should also think of what Jesus did for Simon — what he did for me, for you, for each of us. He redeemed the world.”

Francis also visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major over the weekend to pray before the Marian icon “Salus Populi Romani,” one of his longtime devotional habits.

Mr. Bruni told media that a decision has not yet been made regarding who will celebrate the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. He cautioned that the pope is not yet able to deliver long public speeches and that the traditional “urbi et orbi” Easter blessing may be shortened accordingly, The Associated Press reported.

The 88-year-old pontiff is recovering from a prolonged case of double pneumonia that began in February and resulted in a 39-day stay at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was discharged toward the end of March, and the Vatican says doctors have prescribed him at least two months of rest, pharmacological treatment and physical rehabilitation.

Francis’ breathing, voice, and mobility have improved, and he can now go extended periods without supplemental oxygen — though he still receives high-flow oxygen at night, per a Vatican update to the press.

As of now, Vatican News reports that the pope remains under round-the-clock care by two nurses and receives regular visits from Vatican physician Dr. Luigi Carboni, part of his hospital medical team.

While the pope has no published schedule, the Vatican confirmed that Francis is holding short meetings with Vatican officials from his residence at the Casa Santa Marta.

Francis also personally wrote this year’s Way of the Cross meditations, which Cardinal Reina will read aloud at the Colosseum on Good Friday evening.

Some Vatican sources told reporters the pope may carry out the Holy Thursday foot-washing rite privately at the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery, home to six cloistered Benedictine nuns from Argentina. Francis has performed this ritual in prisons and shelters for years, often choosing symbolic venues outside Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica.

When asked whether Francis would meet with Vice President J.D. Vance during his Easter weekend visit to Rome, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said he had no updates to share but hinted that could change. Mr. Vance, a Catholic convert, is slated to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Good Friday.