Pope Francis, 88, continues his recovery and has decided to delegate to several cardinals the main liturgical ceremonies of Holy Week 2025. Although his state of health shows improvement, especially in terms of mobility, voice and breathing, the Vatican has opted to preserve his well-being by avoiding prolonged physical exertion.
For now, the pontiff has entrusted two important cardinals with the celebration of the Holy Thursday and Good Friday Masses, as well as the direction of the traditional Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome, although Francis has personally written the meditations that will be read during the event.
Who will preside over the rites?
The Vatican informed that the Chrism Mass will be presided over by Italian Cardinal Domenico Calcagno.
The Prefect of the Dicastery will preside over the Oriental Churches and Claudio Gugeroti will be in charge of the liturgical celebration of Good Friday.
For the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, which will be held as every year in the Roman Colosseum, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, current Vicar for the Diocese of Rome, will be in charge of leading the ceremony.
The Vatican has chosen to preserve the Pope's well-being
QueOnnda.com
However, the spiritual content of the event has been elaborated by Pope Francis himself.
It continues to maintain an active role in the liturgical life of the Church.
The Vatican press office also clarified that Pope Francis continues to regularly receive high-ranking officials of the Curia.
Last Monday he held an audience with Cardinal Marcelo Semeraro, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, with whom he signed several decrees related to beatifications and canonizations.
Will the Pope show up?
Although Pope Francis has shown significant progress – he even appeared on Palm Sunday without oxygen cannulas – the Vatican has not confirmed his physical presence at the remaining Masses of the Easter Triduum.
Nor at the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday.
Final decisions on their participation will be communicated in the coming days, so their presence at some events could be a surprise.
For Hispanic Catholics in the United States, especially migrants who closely follow the activities of the Argentine pontiff, this update is of special relevance.
This reflects both his pastoral commitment and priority for his health in the midst of one of the most important weeks of the liturgical calendar.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
