Pope Francis Pens Via Crucis Meditations Amid Ongoing Recovery

Vatican City, 15 April, 2025: Pope Francis is showing continued signs of improvement as he recovers at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta following hospitalisation for a polymicrobial infection that led to bilateral pneumonia.

The Holy Father was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on 23 March with a "protected discharge". Since then, the Vatican reports that his respiratory, mobility, and vocal functions have slightly improved. He remains under treatment and continues physical therapy, needing high-flow oxygen only in the evenings or when necessary.

Despite his condition, the Pope remains active in his duties. He is holding meetings with Roman Curia members, including Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, who visited recently regarding the decrees of causes of saints.

Significantly, the Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis has personally written the meditations for the Good Friday Via Crucis at the Colosseum. These reflections will be published at noon on Friday.

While the Vatican has yet to confirm the Pope’s participation in Holy Week or Easter Triduum liturgies, it has detailed the schedule of presiding clergy. Cardinal Domenico Calcagno will lead the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday morning. That evening, the Mass in Coena Domini will be held in St Peter’s Basilica at 6 p.m., but not in a papal chapel.

On Good Friday, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti will preside over the Passion Liturgy at the Basilica, while Cardinal Baldo Reina will lead the Via Crucis at the Colosseum.

The Vatican has promised further updates on the Pope's potential participation and will provide another briefing on Friday.

Courtesy Vatican News