Vatican: Pope before unusual Easter

Pope Francis faces unusual Easter: For the first time since his election as the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, the 88-year-old will not be part of various celebrations in Rome and in the Vatican. Because of his pulmonary inflammation that has now survived, Francis should be careful at the recommendation of the doctors. It is still open whether he can donate the traditional blessing Urbi et Orbi (the city and the earth) on Easter Sunday.

There is also an important visit to the program. US Vice President JD Vance, who survived a Catholic faith as an adult, wants to spend the Easter days together with his family in Rome. That is why speculation is also carried out by meeting with the Pope.

So far, Francis has only the British royal couple Charles III since his release from the hospital. and received Camilla. His relationship with US President Donald Trump is considered burdened.

After 38 days in clinic, doctors still recommend protection

Due to persistent breathing problems, Francis had been brought to the Gemelli Hospital in mid-February, the Popes Clinic in Rome. There the doctors found life -threatening pneumonia. According to their own information, they had almost given up the Argentinian. After 38 days in the clinic – his longest absence from the Vatican – Francis was released. He is now curing himself in his residence, Casa Santa Marta.

Although the doctors urgently recommend calm and protection, the Pope has often been unannounced in public for some time. On Sunday last week, the Palm Sunday, he had a wheelchair drive to St. Peter’s Square. He also paid a visit to the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he wants to be buried.

Surprisingly in a wheelchair in Petersdom

He had the most unusual appearance on Thursday last week. After a round with a wheelchair through the Vatican, he let himself roll into the St. Peter’s Basilica – apparently a spontaneous idea. Francis did not wear his usual white pope robe, but a black trousers, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a kind of blanket or poncho. In his nose he had a hose over which he is supplied with additional oxygen because of the breathing problems. His voice still sounds very weak.

The surprising appearances now provide speculation as to when it will appear in the next few days. On Easter, the resurrection of Christ is celebrated on the third day after the crucifixion. What is certain is that Francis will do without a visit to a prison on Maundy Thursday, where he was swearing his feet in the past few years.

According to the plans, he can be represented by high -ranking cardinals at trade fairs in St. Peter’s Basilica and at the Kreuzweg -Supert on Good Friday at the Colosseum – but new surprises are not excluded.

Urbi et orbi with no Francis?

In general, it is expected that he will be at the Urbi et Orbi on Easter Sunday – even if he may not be able to speak to the blessing transferred worldwide. The Vatican has so far left open whether Francis comes to the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. According to a spokesman, this also depends on the weather. For Rome, the weather services predict temperatures around 20 degrees and a covered sky on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the Pope thanked a reception in the Vatican with several dozen employees of the Gemelli Clinic who had treated him there. “Thank you for the service in the hospital,” he said, according to a spokesman. “Excellent! Keep it up!”