VATICAN CITY (AP) — 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.

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

The Argentinian pope is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds.