As he continues his convalescence at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis is showing positive signs in his medical progress, according to the Holy See Press Office on Holy Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The Holy Father’s health is progressively improving, with notable progress in his respiratory capacity, mobility, and voice recovery.

Although he is still receiving high-flow oxygen, its use is now limited to occasional doses and for purely therapeutic purposes. His need for respiratory support has decreased significantly, with increasingly longer periods being recorded when he is not dependent on nasal cannulas.

In this context of recovery, the Pope continues with physical therapy sessions, both motor and respiratory, and specific vocal exercises. Despite his physical limitations, he held brief meetings with some Curia collaborators, demonstrating his pastoral and governmental commitment even during his recovery.

Holy Week in Rome: Delegated Celebrations

Given his health, Francis has chosen not to preside over the main liturgical celebrations of the Easter Triduum, delegating this responsibility to several cardinals. Thus, the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, to be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica, will be presided over by Cardinal Domenico Calcagno, president emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA).

That same day, at 6:00 p.m., the Mass of the Lord’s Supper will take place, although it is not among the celebrations presided over by the Pontiff.

On Good Friday, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, will lead the celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 5:00 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica. Later, at 9:15 p.m., Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the Pope’s Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome, will lead the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum.

The Pope, author of the Way of the Cross meditations

Despite being unable to be physically present at the celebrations, Francis has chosen to leave his spiritual mark by personally preparing the meditations that will be recited during the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum. The content will be officially released at noon on Good Friday.

The Press Office has specified that, although the Pope is expected to closely follow the events of the Triduum, his possible participation in any of the celebrations has not yet been confirmed. The final schedule of services at St. Peter’s Basilica will be announced throughout the day.