The delicate state of the Pope’s health during his gradual convalescence leaves many open questions about his participation in Jubilee events.
Uncertainty remains about possible public appearances by the head of the Catholic Church in the coming weeks, as the faithful prepare to celebrate Easter, the biggest liturgical event of the year.
At this stage, “we cannot expect the Holy Father to be able to do everything he did before,” said Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The Vatican's “number 2” made these comments in an interview with Corriere della Sera on Saturday. Still, though, the Pope's doctor had a hopeful prediction: That the Pontiff could eventually regain “if not 100%, then 90% of his initial condition.”
For now, Jubilee events are still being delegated. Next Sunday, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the dicastery for Evangelization, will represent the Pope for the Jubilee Mass for the Sick and Health Care Workers. A homily by the pontiff is expected to be read to the participants.
Holy Week plans
The Holy See recently published the calendar of Holy Week celebrations, which will take place from April 13 to 20. The document does not comment on whether or not the Pope will be present at these events.
“The Pope's participation, and the terms of his participation, will be evaluated based on the improvements [in his health] in the coming weeks,” the Vatican said.
While the pontiff may delegate a representative to the various celebrations he would have had to preside over, there remains a question mark over the Urbi et Orbi blessing — a benediction “to the city and to the world.”
This solemn blessing is reserved to the Successor of Peter and has traditionally been conferred from the loggia –the balcony – of the Vatican basilica. This year's program does not mention the location, leaving the possibility open for a special arrangement made for Pope Francis.
The canonization of Carlo Acutis
Similarly, the canonization of Carlo Acutis on April 27 requires the presence of a pope, who alone can proclaim a new saint. Cardinal Parolin has hinted, however, that Pope Francis could also delegate his powers for this liturgy, “in case he is unable to do it.”
“It is the pope who pronounces the formula, but [...] if necessary, [it] can be delegated to a collaborator [...]. We will see what solution is found; it will also depend on the state of the Holy Father at that time,” he said.
The Secretary of State also indicated that the Roman Curia was continuing its activity despite the Pope's physical absence, as a number of decisions could be taken independently within each dicastery. “The Pope is still able to govern the Church,” he asserted.
For the time being, the details of next Sunday's Angelus address are not yet known. Last Sunday, the first for the Pope back at the Vatican, his meditation was released only in written form. The previous Sunday, on his last day at Gemelli, the pontiff briefly greeted the crowd from a balcony, but he said only a few words.
