Rome had been preparing for the Roman Catholic Church Jubilee for months, building tunnels, opening up public squares, and cleaning moldy fountains. However, one element was missing – the Pope.
Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, has been in seclusion at Gemelli hospital for the past three weeks, receiving treatment for pneumonia and other infections. Due to his absence, he has missed general audiences, Sunday prayers, and even entrusted his sermon to a cardinal on Ash Wednesday.
The Pope’s prolonged absence has been significant, as he is known for his interactions with the public and venturing into crowds. This absence is particularly felt during the Jubilee, where thousands of pilgrims have come to Rome hoping to catch a glimpse of Francis.
The Pope’s homily for Ash Wednesday, prepared before his illness, was read by an Italian cardinal, and not delivered by the Pope himself. The lack of the Pope’s physical presence has been noted by pilgrims, and there is a sense of void in the city.
In his sermon, the Pope expressed his concern about “the return of old identity ideologies that theorize the exclusion of others, the exploitation of the earth’s resources, violence in all its forms, and war between peoples.” Although some found consolation in the message, others wished for more guidance amidst the challenges facing the world.
The Vatican has not shared any photos of the Pope for three weeks, creating a sense of uncertainty for the faithful and fueling conspiracy theories. To feel the presence of the Pope, some pilgrims have visited the hospital to pray beneath his windows.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/07/world/europe/pope-francis-catholics-jubilee.html