Pope Francis extended greetings of “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week” to a vast assembly in Saint Peter’s Square following a mass celebrated on his behalf by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, as reported by Vatican News.
Despite being recuperating from a severe case of double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff made a personal appearance, engaging with the faithful for approximately ten minutes from his wheelchair. He paused frequently to converse with attendees, notably sharing a moment of joy with a group of nuns.
Unlike his previous public outing three weeks prior—his first since leaving the hospital—Pope Francis did not require supplemental oxygen.
Having been discharged on March 23 after a five-week treatment for the lung infection, which physicians acknowledged came perilously close to being life-threatening, the Pope addressed the assembled crowd. His doctor revealed that his condition had posed a significant risk.
During this Palm Sunday celebration, marking the commencement of Holy Week—a period commemorating Christ’s Passion, death, and resurrection—Pope Francis also condemned the ongoing conflict in Sudan and encouraged reflection on Lent as “a time of healing.”
Vatican News estimated that around 40,000 people attended the event. The Vatican indicated that the Pope is presently minimizing his exposure to external elements to facilitate continued recovery from his respiratory challenges. Cardinal Sandri delivered Francis’ homily during the mass.
Attendees departed St. Peter’s Square carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches, traditional symbols of Palm Sunday.
The Vatican has yet to determine the extent of Pope Francis’ participation in upcoming Holy Week ceremonies leading up to Easter Sunday.
“Sisters and brothers, I thank you very much for your prayers,” a statement distributed by the Holy See Press Office conveyed. “At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more. I, too, am praying for you, and I ask you to entrust all those who suffer to the Lord together with me.”
- Holy Week commemorates Christ’s Passion, death and resurrection
- Pope Francis is recovering from double pneumonia
- Approximately 40,000 people attended the Palm Sunday celebration
“At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more.” – Pope Francis
