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Pope Francis is in the process of recovering his voice and physical strength, according to reports from the Vatican press office. Despite ongoing health issues, the pope is increasing his engagement with Vatican officials and delegating responsibilities for the upcoming Holy Week liturgies.
During a press briefing on April 15, the Vatican did not confirm whether Pope Francis would partake in any liturgical events during Holy Week, a significant period for the Catholic Church. However, the press office named cardinals selected to lead several key ceremonies.
Italian Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, previously the president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, was asked by the pope to preside over the chrism Mass on April 17. Traditionally, Pope Francis conducts the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper with the Foot-washing rite at different locations, often in detention facilities, but further details about this year's plans were not provided.
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, who leads the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, was chosen to officiate the Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica. The custom of having the preacher of the papal household deliver a sermon at the event will continue, with Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini taking up that role.
For the Via Crucis at Rome’s Colosseum on Good Friday night, Pope Francis assigned Cardinal Baldassare Reina, his vicar for the Diocese of Rome, to lead the proceedings. Although Pope Francis will not be present, he prepared the text for the meditations.
Pope Francis, 88, was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on March 23 after 38 days of care. After two weeks spent in seclusion within the Domus Sanctae Marthae, he began making limited public appearances, such as attending the end of Masses in St. Peter’s Square on April 6 and April 13, and visiting significant basilicas on April 10 and April 12.
