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.

Pope Francis may be on the mend, but as Easter nears, Catholics are wondering how much of the celebrations the 88-year-old would be able to take part in after battling life-threatening pneumonia. The week leading up to Easter is the most significant religious holiday in the Christian calendar and is packed with events,