The Catholic Church starts its busiest week of the year on Sunday with the countdown to Easter, but Pope Francis remains out of public view after surviving double pneumonia and it is unclear whether he will take any part in the celebrations.

Pope Francis was "happy" to get out and about this week, the Vatican has said, but while his health is improving, it is too soon to confirm his participation in Easter celebrations.

Pope Francis, 88, is recovering from a serious bout of double pneumonia, and doctors have prescribed two months of rest, raising questions about his ability to participate in the Vatican’s most significant liturgical events of the year.