Papal Blessing "Urbi et Orbi" at Easter in Jeopardy

The Vatican has published the schedule of liturgical celebrations for Holy Week and Easter, as well as for the canonization of the Italian Carlo Acutis planned for April 27.

Vatican Announces Schedule for Holy Week - Without Pope

The presence of the Pope and the names of possible celebrants are not specified. The Pope's participation has been in question for weeks. The 88-year-old returned to the Vatican on Sunday after 37 days in the hospital and must rest for two months.

One must await an improvement in the Pope's health condition in the coming weeks to determine if he can be present at the Holy Week ceremonies, the Vatican press office announced on Thursday. During Easter Week, the Pope's schedule is as packed as it is throughout the entire year. All visits - including a meeting with British King Charles III on April 8 - have been canceled due to Francis's convalescence.

Cardinal Parolin Could Give "Urbi et Orbi" Blessing

It is expected that on Easter Sunday, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will give the blessing "Urbi et Orbi" on behalf of the Pope. It would presumably be the first time in recent church history that this blessing, practiced by the Pope since the 14th century, is given by someone else.

In 2005, Pope John Paul II gave the Easter blessing with his last strength from the window of his apartment a week before his death, but he was no longer able to speak the blessing formula. Church law does not clearly regulate when a blessing reserved for the Pope can be delegated by him to a bishop or cardinal. Since the formula for the blessing "Urbi et Orbi" explicitly refers to the successor of the Apostle Peter, it is actually reserved for the Bishop of Rome, that is, the Pope.

Francis has difficulties speaking

"Pope Francis does have difficulties speaking, but he can communicate through his silence. I am sure that he will also convey messages through his silence," said Italian Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi according to media reports. "Communication is not just words. It is also not only verbal. A look in the eyes can say so much," explained the cardinal.

Ravasi recalled that John Paul II also carried out his duties with many limitations because he suffered from Parkinson's. "It was his gestures that spoke for him. Francis is now in convalescence and the doctors will tell him when he can resume a normal rhythm. Although he can already do so much now," explained the cardinal.

(APA/Red)

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