Pope Francis health sparks concern ahead of Easter celebrations

Catholic faithful watch closely as Pope Francis continues recovery from pneumonia ahead of Holy Week events.

Pope Francis makes an unexpected appearance at the conclusion of the Palm Sunday mass at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on April 13, 2025. Photo by Tiziana Fabi/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

As Easter 2025 approaches, Pope Francis’ health remains a growing concern for Catholics worldwide, with many wondering how much of the Holy Week events the 88-year-old pontiff will be able to lead. Less than a month after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital—where he was treated for a serious case of pneumonia—Francis has made sporadic public appearances, but his overall capacity to fulfill his traditional Easter duties remains uncertain.

A time of faith and physical limitation

Holy Week is the most sacred period in the Christian calendar. From the Chrism Mass to the solemn Way of the Cross at the Colosseum and culminating with the Easter Vigil and Sunday mass, the series of events are typically led by the Pope. They symbolize the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and draw thousands to Vatican City, with millions more watching across the globe. This year, however, the reality of Pope Francis’ health has cast a shadow of doubt over his participation.

Doctors advised the Argentine pontiff to rest for at least two months upon his release from the hospital on March 23. They urged him to avoid public appearances and minimize contact with large crowds, given the strain on his respiratory system. But despite medical guidance, Francis has defied expectations with multiple surprise outings.

Unscheduled appearances defy expectations

Just days after leaving the hospital, Pope Francis appeared in St Peter’s Square during Palm Sunday celebrations. In his wheelchair and without a nasal cannula, he smiled, greeted the faithful, blessed children, and waved to the crowd. His voice remained weak, but his presence energized the thousands gathered.

“Happy Holy Week,” he said softly to roughly 20,000 people in attendance, a moment that quickly spread across social media and news outlets.

More recently, he welcomed Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla in a private audience last Wednesday. On Thursday, he visited pilgrims inside St Peter’s Basilica, inspecting ongoing restoration work. By Saturday, the Pope was spotted praying at Santa Maria Maggiore, a church with deep personal significance for him.

These activities, while brief and controlled, signal a determination to maintain a visible spiritual presence during one of the most meaningful times for Catholics.

What to expect from Pope Francis during Holy Week

Despite these appearances, Vatican officials remain cautious. “Obviously his state of health is improving, in terms of motor ability, his breathing and also his voice,” a spokesperson from the Vatican press office told reporters on Tuesday. However, they added that it was “too early” to determine what role Francis would play in the upcoming Easter ceremonies.

One confirmed tradition is the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which will be delivered from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday at 1000 GMT. This message, translated as “To the City and to the World,” is considered one of the most symbolic acts a pope performs. Though the Pope is expected to appear, it’s unclear whether he will read the full text himself or delegate the task, as he has occasionally done in recent years.

Italian priest Giovanni Terragni emphasized the importance of this moment, saying, “This blessing to the whole world can only be given by the pope... it's a gesture for believers and non-believers alike.”

Symbolism and significance of the moment

The uncertainty surrounding Pope Francis’ health carries particular weight in 2025, a year designated as a Jubilee in the Catholic Church. Known as a “Holy Year,” it occurs once every 25 years and traditionally involves pilgrimages, indulgences, and global gatherings in Rome. Pope Francis is the one who declared this Jubilee, intending to guide Catholics through a renewed spiritual path focused on hope, unity, and forgiveness.

Sister Ermelinda Pettenon, an Italian nun visiting Vatican City, reflected on the Pope’s situation, saying, “He is the one who called for this Holy Year and the Lord is trying him. The important thing is that he accepts this time of suffering and trial.”

The Pope’s health has prompted reflection among many of the faithful, not only on his physical endurance but on the spiritual message his perseverance communicates during this Holy Week.

Historical context and recent absences

This would not be the first time Pope Francis scaled back his Easter duties. In both 2023 and 2024, he was unable to attend the Way of the Cross due to illness. However, he returned for the Easter Vigil, demonstrating resilience and a desire to fulfill his role despite his limitations.

Holy Week services are rigorous, often stretching late into the night and demanding long periods of standing or speaking—activities that could challenge even a younger, healthier person. For an aging pontiff still recovering from pneumonia, it’s no surprise that the Vatican is carefully planning which events he might attend in person.

Speculation about a potential papal resignation has intensified in recent weeks, though the Pope has shown no formal indication that he plans to step down. Instead, he appears intent on staying the course, engaging with the public when he can, and entrusting the rest to those around him.

The faithful watch and pray

As Catholics around the world prepare for Easter Sunday, many are watching Rome with bated breath. The Pope remains a spiritual father figure to 1.4 billion followers, and even symbolic appearances can provide immense comfort and guidance during a time of religious reflection.

Inside the Vatican, plans are being made with flexibility in mind. Should the Pope participate in only selected events, cardinals and bishops are ready to step in and lead the ceremonies. But few can replicate the resonance of a Pope’s personal blessing or appearance on Easter morning.

Despite the uncertainty, the sense of hope remains. For many, Pope Francis’ health has become part of the Easter story this year—an embodiment of endurance, faith, and humility.

As Holy Week unfolds, the question isn’t just whether Pope Francis can preside over the services. It’s also how his presence, even in brief glimpses, reaffirms the resilience of a Church that continues to evolve and endure alongside its spiritual leader.

Whether on the balcony of St Peter’s or quietly seated in prayer, the Pope’s presence—fragile yet faithful—continues to inspire a global flock eager for signs of grace amid uncertainty.