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Pope Francis Appears for Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s Square Amidst Recovery
VATICAN CITY – A recovering Pope Francis greeted thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, extending “Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week” wishes to the over 20,000 attendees. This appearance served as another encouraging public indication of his recuperation from a severe bout of double pneumonia.
Pontiff Greets Faithful from Wheelchair
Many worshippers reached out to touch Pope Francis’ hand or clothing as he was conveyed in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar. There, he delivered his brief greeting via microphone. Notably, the 88-year-old pontiff was not utilizing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, a feature present during a similar public appearance the previous Sunday, signaling further progress in his health.
Blessings and Interactions with the Crowd
Returning to St. Peter’s Basilica after addressing the crowd, Pope Francis paused to bless a rosary and offered candy to a young boy who approached him. These gestures underscored his engagement with the gathered faithful despite his ongoing recovery.
Limited Public Speaking During Convalescence
Entering his fourth week of convalescence, the 88-year-old Francis has been advised by medical professionals to minimize exposure to large crowds. Although visibly eager to demonstrate his improved condition, his public pronouncements have remained brief as he recuperates from a significant respiratory illness. The Vatican has indicated that further guidance is pending regarding his participation in the upcoming Holy Week observances culminating in Easter Sunday.
Recent Public Engagements
This Palm Sunday appearance marked his second public appearance in St. Peter’s Square before a large assembly, following an unexpected appearance the previous Sunday that deeply moved the faithful. This week also saw Pope Francis hold a private audience with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as an unscheduled visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. During his basilica tour, he paused for prayer and expressed gratitude to restoration workers for their efforts in preserving the basilica’s artistic treasures.
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Prayer at Basilica of St. Mary Major
On Saturday, preceding Holy Week, Pope Francis journeyed to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in central Rome for private prayer before the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, which he holds in special reverence. This basilica, a frequent stop before and after his international travels, also served as his first destination upon discharge from Gemelli hospital on March 23rd.
Sunday Blessing Delivered Via Text
During the customary Sunday blessing, the Pope conveyed his gratitude to the faithful for their ongoing prayers. He acknowledged, “At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more.” For the ninth consecutive week, including his five-week hospitalization beginning February 14th, the formal Sunday blessing was disseminated in written format.
Prayers for Global Conflicts
The pontiff included prayers for those impacted by the conflict in Sudan, coinciding with its second anniversary on Tuesday, and for Lebanon, marking the 50th anniversary of its civil war’s commencement. He also implored for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan, demonstrating his continued concern for global crises.
Palm Sunday Homily Focuses on Suffering
In a prepared Palm Sunday homily, delivered by a senior Vatican cardinal, Pope Francis implored the congregation to bear the cross “of those who suffer around us” as they commence the solemn observance of Holy Week. This message emphasized empathy and shared burden during this significant period in the Christian calendar.
Cardinal Leads Palm Sunday Celebrations
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the Palm Sunday celebrations. He led a procession of cardinals around the piazza’s central obelisk, carrying a meticulously braided palm, symbolizing Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds greeted him with palm branches.
Contrast of Welcome and Suffering
The jubilant welcome of Palm Sunday stands in stark contrast to the suffering that follows in the Holy Week narrative, culminating in Jesus’ crucifixion, observed by Christians on Good Friday, and subsequently his resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday. This juxtaposition highlights the central themes of Holy Week.
Faithful Depart with Blessed Palms
Worshippers departed St. Peter’s Square carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches, marking the solemn and significant occasion of Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week in the Vatican.