The Vatican is opening the most solemn period of Holy Week with a recovering Pope Francis largely on the sidelines.

Although the pontiff has begun meeting with more people, he remains frail and will not lead important Easter events, the Vatican announced.

Pope Francis may be on the mend, but as Easter nears, Catholic faithful are wondering how much of the celebrations the 88-year-old will be able to take part in after battling life-threatening pneumonia.