Pope Francis kept annual Holy Week appointment visiting dozens of inmates in a Rome prison on Thursday. The 88-year-old is still recovering from pneumonia.

Pope Francis, after a long recovery, might be able to participate in the Holy Week celebrations, although the Vatican has not confirmed this. His health is steadily improving, which raises hopes for his presence at key events.

Francis delegated to two cardinals his role in presiding over this weekend's Easter masses, The Vatican Press Office said on Wednesday.