Pope Francis missed Urbi et orbi blessing for Easter for the first time!

Pope Francis missed Urbi et orbi blessing for Easter for the first time!

Vatikanstadt, Italien - The Vatican is facing an unusual Easter, because Pope Francis is expected to be able to participate in the blessing "Urbi et orbi". The 88-year-old Pope has withdrawn after a 37-day hospital stay and has to rest at least two months on the advice of his doctors. This decision has not only personal, but also historical dimensions, since the blessing has not been granted by a deputy since the 14th century.

Despite these setbacks, the program for the Kar- and Easter week is set. As OE24 , Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Easter Sunday will donate the blessing "Urbi et orbi" on behalf of the Pope. This could be the first time in almost 700 years that this blessing is not granted by the Pope itself. Karl Rahner, a conservative theologian, pointed out the need for a clear legal framework for such delegations.

program of the Easter celebrations

The Vatican Liturgy Office has published the detailed program for Kar- and Easter days. On Palm Sunday, April 13, a mass will take place on St. Peter's Square, followed by other important liturgical events. The most important dates include:

• Maundy Thursday, April 17: Chrisam fair in St. Peter's Basilica at 9.30 a.m.
• Good Friday, April 18: Liturgy of the suffering of Jesus in St. Peter's Basilica at 5 p.m.
• Way of the Cross at the Colosseum at 9:15 p.m.
• Easter night in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, April 19, at 7.30 p.m.
• Easter Sunday, April 20: Mass celebration on St. Peter's Square at 10.30 a.m. and blessing "Urbi et orbi".
• White Sunday, April 27: Mass celebration with the canonization of Carlo Acutis.

These events, which are guided by various cardinals, continue to show the living church tradition, also in the absence of the Pope. Cardinal Baldo Reina is run the Good Friday cross, while Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will celebrate the fair to the last sacrament.

Health of the Pope

The health of the Pope remains a central topic. He receives medication and physiotherapy to strengthen his respiratory tract and motor skills. The vatican speaker has made it clear that his participation depends entirely on his recovery process. For the time being, it is not stated in public appearances so as not to endanger the health of the Pope.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi emphasized that Pope Francis can continue to communicate despite his physical restrictions and refers to the broken words of John Paul II. In his time as a Pope, he also led a limited communication because of his illness.

The blessing "Urbi et orbi" is not only a symbol of the papal office, but also associated with complete indulgence for the believers, which underlines the importance of this delegation. Much seems to hang out of the next few weeks in which the doctors will decide when Pope Francis can return to his regular rhythm. The situation remains tense, while the whole world looks at the upcoming Easter, even without the usual presence of the Pope during this time.