Pope Francis returns to the Vatican: And now?

Jubilee hearings and activities

“At this point, there are prescriptions to be observed, such as avoiding contact with groups of people or with children who can be a vector of new infections,” insisted Professor Sergio Alfieri, head of the medical team who treated Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital. Pope Francis’ hearings with groups of pilgrims, particularly numerous at the agenda in this jubilee year, should therefore not take up anytime soon.

Likewise, like the previous weeks, the general hearing of this Wednesday, March 26 was canceled and the catechesis prepared for the weekly meeting simply published by the services of the Holy See. It should be the same for the angelus next Sunday-even if a greeting, at least by video from the Sainte-Marthe residence, is not to be completely excluded.

Official meetings

“On Tuesday, April 8, their majesties will go to the Holy See to join Pope Francis to celebrate the 2025 jubilee.” By these words, the Buckingham palace confirmed Tuesday, March 18 that a meeting was planned between King Charles of the United Kingdom, accompanied by Queen Camilla and the Pope. The Vatican, however, had not confirmed the event.

If at first a rapid exchange still seemed to be a possibility – even that both have surgical masks to avoid any new infection – the meeting was finally dismissed. King Charles III and Queen Camilla postponed “by mutual agreement” with the Vatican their state visit scheduled for early April, the Buckingham palace announced on Tuesday, March 25.

By the recovery of Pope Francis, either official visits are postponed, or the heads of state are received by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.

Holy Week

Outside apostolic trips, this is probably the most important meeting in terms of commitment for a Pope: Holy Week. Will François be able to preside over the various celebrations ranging from the celebration of the Mass of the Palm Sunday until the blessing Urbi and Orbi Since the loggia of the Saint-Pierre Basilica on Easter Day?

The Vatican has not yet communicated on this subject, but it already seems to be excluded that François can join all ceremonies – starting with the Hall of Friday, traditionally organized at the Colosseum of Rome. It would not be the first time that the Argentinian pope would follow him at a distance: last year, he had indeed already stayed in the Vatican in order to “preserve his health”.

To believe Il Corriere della will bethe Holy See would have already planned which cardinal will be commissioned by Pope Francis to replace him as a presidency of the various ceremonies. Cardinal Parolin, in particular, would be entrusted with the celebration of the Pascale vigil in the Saint-Pierre basilica then reading the day after the traditional message of peace Urbi and Orbi.

“This reading would obviously take place from the forecourt of the basilica and certainly not since the loggia” of the Saint-Pierre basilica, specifies the Roman daily Il Messaggero. Could François then appear at the window of the apostolic palace to give the blessing “to the city and to the world”? The possibility is not to be excluded. At any rate, Il Messaggero sees in this role entrusted to Cardinal Parolin an “inauguration”. It is true that in 2005, John Paul II had asked Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to replace him for the presidency of the Pascale vigil. Three weeks later, the second succeeded the first under the name of Benoît XVI…

Other upcoming events

For the time being, the Holy See has officially announced any future trip of Pope Francis, whether in Italy or outside the peninsula. However, the pope himself publicly expressed his desire to go to May to Turkey, to the current site of the former Nicea, to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the Ecumenical Council of Nicea. Doctors who have prescribed a two -month rest, the trip is still possible, even if it is a few weeks reported.

Before that, another important meeting awaits the head of the Catholic Church: the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991-2006). This ceremony will take place at the Vatican on April 27, on the occasion of the teenage jubilee. A hundred thousand participants would have already registered, but it is still too early to say if François will be able to unite in one way or another to their prayers.

Will François respect “two months of rest?” »»

At the Vatican, the Sainte-Marthe residence was adapted to insulate the sovereign pontiff. In particular, other residents were asked not to go to the pope’s floor – when they can usually circulate there freely. François can still continue to work on the most important files and receive his nearest collaborators.

Will he himself respect this isolation? The question arises, considering that he has refused in recent years to follow the indications of his doctors urging him to lighten his agenda to avoid excessive fatigue. Even Professor Sergio Alfieri is in doubt. “When he left (from Gemelli),” said the doctor to Corriere della will bewe discussed and he (we) promised not to spoil the efforts we had made. But he is the pope, we cannot dictate his behavior to him. »»