Italy Vatican publishes Easter week program - without the Pope
The Vatican has published the program for the Easter week celebrations in April - without the name of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church still has to take it easy after his release from hospital.
27.03.2025, 13:27
SDA
It remains to be seen whether Francis will be able to give the traditional blessing Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday (April 20).
During Easter week, the spiritual leader of more than 1.4 billion Catholics around the world normally has a program that is busier than any other time of the year. This time, the preparations are even more extensive because 2025 is also a Holy Year in the Church's understanding. This is why even more pilgrims and tourists than usual are expected in Rome at Easter.
Pope will now be treated in residence
However, the Pope's participation has been in doubt for weeks. In mid-February, Francis had to be taken to hospital due to a respiratory infection. This resulted in pneumonia, which, according to doctors, put his life in acute danger on two occasions. The doctor treating him, Sergio Alfieri, later even reported that the Pope had almost given up.
According to official reports, the pneumonia has now been overcome. Francis was allowed to return to the Vatican on Sunday, where he is still receiving treatment. Due to his breathing problems, he continues to wear a tube in his nose through which he is supplied with oxygen. The doctors' recommendation is to take it easy for at least another two months.
So far, Francis has always given the Urbi et Orbi blessing
All visits - including a meeting with the British King Charles III - have been canceled. However, there is speculation that the Pope could make an appearance on the balcony on Easter Sunday. The Urbi et Orbi blessing is watched by tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square and broadcast worldwide at Christmas and Easter.
Due to his ailing health, the Argentinian had already had to change the Easter program last year: At short notice, he canceled his participation in the Stations of the Cross in Rome on Good Friday, which would also have taken him to the Colosseum. The white armchair for the pontiff was already waiting there. However, Francis has never had to skip the Urbi et Orbi blessing in his twelve years in office.
