Pope Francis extended his warm wishes for a “Happy Palm Sunday and a Blessed Holy Week” to the thousands of faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square after a mass led by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, as reported by Vatican News.
Despite recovering from double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff greeted the crowd from his wheelchair for approximately 10 minutes, taking moments to engage with worshippers, including a group of joyful nuns.
In contrast to last Sunday, when he made his first public appearance after a three-week hospital stay, the pope was not using oxygen assistance during this event.
Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on March 23 after a five-week treatment for a serious lung infection that his doctors indicated had posed a significant risk to his health.
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According to Vatican News, around 40,000 attendees filled the square for the Palm Sunday celebration, which commemorates the Lord’s Passion. The report noted that the pope is taking precautions to protect his health while continuing his recovery.
During the mass, Cardinal Sandri read a homily on behalf of Pope Francis, marking the beginning of Holy Week, a significant period that reflects on the passion, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
As the faithful departed St. Peter’s Square, they carried blessed palm fronds and olive branches, symbolizing the occasion.
The Vatican is currently assessing what role Pope Francis may play in the upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday.
“Dear sisters and brothers, I sincerely thank you for your prayers,” he expressed in a statement from the Holy See Press Office. “During this time of physical weakness, your prayers help me feel God’s closeness, compassion, and tenderness even more. I, too, am praying for you, and I invite you to join me in entrusting all who suffer to the Lord.”
