Pope Francis Emerges after Palm Sunday Service at the Vatican

Following a mass led by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on behalf of Pope Francis, the Pontiff greeted the gathered faithful in Saint Peter’s Square, extending wishes for a “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week,” as reported by Vatican News.

Despite recovering from double pneumonia, Pope Francis spent about 10 minutes engaging with the crowd from his wheelchair. He took moments to converse with various attendees, including a group of joyous nuns.

During this appearance, unlike the previous Sunday, the pope did not require oxygen support through a small hose under his nose, marking a positive development in his health journey.

Francis, 88, was discharged from hospital on March 23 after spending five weeks being treated for the lung infection, which his doctor later said had nearly killed him.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re touches the hand of Pope Francis as he unexpectedly appears during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 13, 2025. (Yara Nardi)

The faithful emerged from St. Peter’s Square carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches to mark the occasion.

The Vatican said it was waiting to advise on what role he may play in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis speaks as he unexpectedly appears during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 13, 2025. (Vatican Media/­Handout)

“Sisters and brothers, I thank you very much for your prayers,” the pontiff said in a statement distributed by the Holy See Press Office, “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.”

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.