Will Pope Francis preside at Carlo Acutis’ canonization?

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.

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.

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. 

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.”

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.