Vatican’s Easter Mass opens without Pope Francis as he recovers from pneumonia

The Vatican marked Easter Sunday without the presence of Pope Francis, who is still recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia. Cardinal Angelo Comastri led the open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of people gathered on a crisp spring morning.

Since returning to the Vatican after a lengthy hospital stay, Pope Francis has made only a few public appearances. He missed the traditional services of Good Friday and Holy Saturday but was expected to make an appearance on Easter Sunday, according to the Vatican’s plans.

Easter is a significant event on the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. This year, Catholics and Orthodox Christians are observing Easter on the same day, coinciding with Russia’s announcement of a temporary Easter truce in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Vatican’s Easter celebration typically includes a Mass and the Pope’s Urbi et Orbi blessing, a speech delivered from the basilica’s entrance. It remains unclear if Pope Francis will deliver the speech or simply impart the apostolic blessing at the end.

Due to his health condition, Pope Francis has reduced his workload as advised by doctors. He is undergoing respiratory therapy to improve his lung function, as he still struggles with projecting his voice and labored breathing.

Prior to Easter Sunday, Pope Francis visited a prison in Rome to spend Holy Thursday with inmates, emphasizing his commitment to engaging with marginalized communities as he continues his recovery.

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