Vatican announces liturgies for Holy Week and Divine Mercy Sunday

The Holy See Press Office explains the potential presence of the Pope will be determined based on his health in the coming weeks.

By Vatican News

After being hospitalized for 38 days and starting the doctor mandated two-months rest, the Holy See Press Office has not yet confirmed Pope Francis’ presence at any of the Holy Week and Easter Octave events.

“The improvement of the Pope's health condition will need to be assessed in the coming weeks to evaluate his potential presence, and under what circumstances, at the Holy Week rites,” the statement read.

With that in mind, the calendar for Holy Week and the Octave of Easter has been announced.

A major highlight of these two weeks is the canonization Mass for the Italian millenial Blessed Carlo Acutis, which will be held on Divine Mercy Sunday and close the Jubilee of Adolescents on April 27.

A fortnight prior, on April 13 begins, with Mass for Palm Sunday being celebrated in St. Peter’s Square at 10am. Towards the end of the week, on Good Friday, the Colosseum will once again host the Via Crucis, or Stations of the Cross, beginning at 9:15pm. The celebration of the Lord's Resurrection will begin with Solemn Mass of the Easter Vigil, which will be held in St. Peter's Basilica on Holy Saturday at 7:30pm.

Please find the full calendar below; note that all times refer to local Rome time.