Pope Francis will not personally conduct the traditional Easter Mass this Sunday, the Vatican press office said this Wednesday. Instead of the pontiff, cardinals will conduct this and other Easter services this year.
Pope Francis will also skip the Good Friday evening procession around the Colosseum. According to the Holy See’s press office, the 14-stop procession will feature reflections prepared by the Pope.
Although Pope Francis himself will not lead the Mass, it is possible that he will appear before the faithful for a blessing, as he has for the past two Sundays. Although the 88-year-old pontiff has been ordered to rest for two months, he is gradually returning to his routine.
Pope Francis is not yet in good health, the Vatican said. The pontiff is still recovering from a lengthy treatment, he remained in the Gemelli hospital in Rome for 38 days, where he was fighting a polymicrobial respiratory infection that turned into bilateral pneumonia. He was discharged from the hospital less than a month ago, on March 23.
According to Vatican News, since being discharged from the hospital, the Pope’s condition “shows a slight improvement” in both his respiratory and general physical condition and his voice. The pontiff is reported to be continuing his medical treatment, respiratory physiotherapy, and gradually increasing his tolerated physical activity. According to his press office, the Pope can do without oxygen for long periods of time, but still uses supplemental oxygen in the evenings.
