Pope Francis made an inspiring return to St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday, greeting over 20,000 faithful without the oxygen tubes he needed just days before.
At a Glance
- The 88-year-old pontiff appeared in St. Peter’s Square showing marked improvement after battling double pneumonia
- Francis interacted warmly with the crowd, blessing rosaries and offering candy to a young boy
- This public appearance came despite doctors’ advice to avoid crowds during his fourth week of convalescence
- The Pope thanked the faithful for their prayers, saying they helped him feel “God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness”
- Cardinal Leonardo Sandri led the formal Palm Sunday celebrations while the Vatican has not confirmed Francis’ role in remaining Holy Week events
Pope’s Recovery Evident in Meaningful Public Return
Pope Francis demonstrated remarkable resilience Sunday as he greeted thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square to mark Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week celebrations. The appearance was particularly significant as it marked the pontiff’s continued recovery from a serious bout with double pneumonia that had previously left him requiring supplemental oxygen. Francis engaged directly with the faithful from his popemobile, showing visible improvement in his health.
During his second public appearance since being discharged from Gemelli University Hospital, the Pope moved through the crowd without the nasal tubes he had needed in a previous appearance. Vatican sources confirmed he has been advised to rest for two months at the Vatican and avoid crowds, making his presence at the Palm Sunday celebration all the more meaningful to those in attendance. Many faithful expressed deep emotion at seeing their spiritual leader in improving health.
Personal Interactions Highlight Pope’s Improving Condition
The Holy Father’s interactions with the crowd showcased both his improving health and characteristic personal touch. Francis blessed rosaries handed to him by the faithful and offered candy to a young boy among the thousands gathered. Though Cardinal Leonardo Sandri led the formal Palm Sunday celebrations, including the traditional procession with palm branches, the Pope’s presence provided spiritual encouragement to pilgrims who departed the square carrying blessed palm fronds and olive branches.
“At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more.” – Pope Francis.
Earlier in the week, despite his convalescence, Francis had met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla and toured St. Peter’s Basilica. He also visited St. Mary Major Basilica to pray before a favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, demonstrating his determination to maintain key spiritual and diplomatic responsibilities even during recovery. These activities, along with his Palm Sunday appearance, suggest steady improvement in the pontiff’s condition.
Global Prayer Intentions During Holy Week
During his Sunday blessing, Pope Francis extended his prayers beyond personal health concerns to embrace global suffering. He specifically mentioned conflicts in Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan. This global perspective highlighted Francis’ continued commitment to his pastoral role as a voice for peace even while recovering from serious illness. His prayers focused particularly on “those who suffer around us.”
“happy Palm Sunday, happy Holy Week” – Pope Francis.
While the Vatican has not yet confirmed what role Pope Francis will play in the remaining Holy Week events leading to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, his Palm Sunday appearance has raised hopes among the faithful that he may participate in some capacity. The Holy Week celebrations represent the most sacred period in the Catholic liturgical calendar, commemorating Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. For now, the Pope’s improving health and public return offered a powerful message of resilience at the start of this solemn week.
