Catholics mark quiet start to Easter as Pope Francis remains out of sight br br Faithful and pilgrims braved the leaden sky above the Vatican on April 18, 2025 to kick off a subdued Easter season in the absence of Pope Francis, who is still recovering from double pneumonia. Maxi screens were installed in St. Peter's Square for the faithful willing to watch the Holy Thursday mass, presided over by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, instead of the pontiff.