A general view shows St Peter's basilica during the celebration of the Passion of the Lord on Good Friday as part of the Holy Week, in the Vatican on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)

MANILA -- Pope Francis went into St. Peter's Basilica to pray before the Easter Vigil this evening and greeted some faithful present, Vatican News reported at 12:35 a.m. Sunday Manila time or 6:35 p.m. Saturday in Rome.

The 88-year-old pontiff is gradually making more public appearances as he recovers from the most severe health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

The Vatican News said Easter preparations are underway in St. Peter's Square, with flowers from the Netherlands being arranged to line the steps in front of St. Peter’s Basilica for the Easter celebration.

The Pope was earlier quoted as saying he was doing "as best I can" as he visited inmates at Rome's central jail  before Easter. He spent a half hour at Regina Coeli, a dilapidated jail, where he individually greeted about 70 detainees as well as prison management and staff, according to the Vatican.

Earlier this week on Wednesday, the Pope met with members of the medical team who saved his life during a five-week hospital stay for a serious case of double pneumonia.

"Thank you for all that you have done," Francis said, speaking in a soft, raspy voice, according to Agence France-Presse.

Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians on Sunday will celebrate Easter, the most important holiday in the Christian calendar, which commemorates Christ's death and his believed resurrection through centuries-old traditions.

- With reports from Agence France-Presse