A blessing as a stress test – Pope before urbi et orbi

The scene in the Vatican still remembered. How the old pope is pushed to the window in the apostolic palace. How he still succeeds in making the cross by hand, but then fails the voice. He can no longer do the Easter blessing. A moan, a helpless gesture, the face distorted in pain. Just a few seconds, but they pull like an eternity. Until someone graciously turns the microphone to the side.

It was 20 years ago, on Easter 2005, when the terminally ill Pope John Paul II again wanted to donate the blessing Urbi et Orbi (the city and the earth circle) – a tradition that the Pontifex from Poland used to celebrate in all possible languages. Now there is a successor Francis A similar challenge: On Sunday, the whole world will look at whether the 88-year-old is still healthy enough for his position as deputy Christ.

With each appearance with detailed observation

There are currently very different opinions. For some, it borders a miracle that the Argentinian has recovered again. After 38 days in the hospitalwith severe pneumonia, a beginning kidney failure, between life and death. Chief physician Sergio Alfieri reported that Francis had almost been given up. He also said that a « miracle » was. The Vatican regularly reports progress.

However, some doubt whether the information about the gradual recovery of the « Holy Father » corresponds to the facts. In public appearances, which he now only mastered in a wheelchair, attention is paid to every detail: how he sits, how he moves his hands, whether he carries the cannulas in his nose, over which he is supplied with oxygen. And above all: how he speaks. More than three or four sentences with a weak voice have not yet been heard.

Practically nobody knows everyday life

In essence, it is about whether such an old man is still able to lead a world church with more than 1.4 billion believers. Since his release from the Gemelli Clinic, Francis has lived again in the Vatican guest house in Santa Marta, where his apartment was converted. Access is strictly controlled, so that you know almost nothing about your everyday life. Also important cardinals do not get through. The one time when he had in civilian clothes – in the undershirt and with a kind of poncho – rolled into the St. Peter’s Basilica, he looked even weaker than in soutane.

It is now all the more taken care of how Francis survives Easter – the most important festival of Christianity, with which Jesus Christ is reminded of the crucifixion and resurrection. That has even more meaning this time because the Catholic Church declared the “Holy Year” in 2025. Actually, the Pope would be in strain on permanent use these days: foot washing in prison, Way of the Cross, several large measurements and then the blessing.

Large trade fairs are now celebrated by cardinals

He did not miss a visit to prison, as every year on Maundy Thursday. In Rome’s largest detention center Regina Coeli, he was greeted with applause by around 70 selected inmates. However, he had to miss the humility gesture to wash your feet according to Christ’s model. « I can’t do that this year, » he apologized. « But I can and want to be close. I pray for you and your families. »

The Kreuzweg devotion in the Colosseum and the trade fairs with thousands of believers in St. Peter’s Basilica take over various cardinals. The most important trade fair on Easter night the Italian Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the Cardinal College, which is even older: 91. The fair on Easter Sunday holds cardinal Angelo Comastri (81).

Important visit from the USA

But then, according to the general expectation, Francis should speak the blessing Urbi et orbi himself. Tens of thousands are probably waiting for this on St. Peter’s Square and cameras from all over the world. According to the Vatican, its appearance also depends on the weather. The prediction: up to 22 degrees and covered.

And finally there is even an important visit to the program: US Vice President JD Vance spends Easter with his family in Rome. The 40-year-old, who only transferred to Catholic faith as an adult, wants to visit the Easter mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. He will also see Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin. It is now speculated that Francis could be added briefly. So far, since his release to foreign guests, he has only the British royal couple Charles III. and received Camilla.

Like John Paul II or how Benedict XVI.?

Basically, it is always a matter of how Francis imagines the rest of his life: just like John Paul II, who let the world participate in his suffering and until death – six days only after his last appearance – remained in office – or like Benedict XVI, who submitted the resignation when he could no longer be able to grown the office. So far, most of it indicates that Francis wants to keep it like the pole. And not like the German.