Holy Week is a time when the pope would be expected to be front and center of events. But as Francis continues to recover from double pneumonia, observers are on the lookout for surprise appearances.

The Vatican on Thursday opened the most solemn period of Holy Week with a recovering Pope Francis largely on the sidelines, as cardinals were designated to take his place presiding over the most important liturgical services leading up to Easter.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic who has clashed with Pope Francis over the Trump administration's immigration policies, took part in a religious service at the Vatican on Friday but the convalescing pope did not attend.