VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, who is recovering from double pneumonia, greeted over 20,000 faithful in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday. He wished them a “Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week,” showing he is on the mend.
As he was wheeled down to the main altar, members of the crowd reached out to touch Francis’ hand or his garments. Unlike last week, the 88-year-old pope did not have nasal tubes for oxygen as he delivered a short message through a microphone.
On his way back to St. Peter’s Basilica from where he had emerged, Francis stopped to bless a rosary, and offered candy to a boy who greeted him.
Despite his eagerness to show improvement, Francis has been advised by doctors to steer clear of large gatherings as he continues to recuperate. Still struggling with speech due to severe respiratory issues, his participation in the upcoming Holy Week ceremonies leading to Easter Sunday remains uncertain, according to the Vatican.
It was his second time in St. Peter’s Square before a crowd since leaving the hospital, following last Sunday’s unexpected appearance that thrilled the faithful. He also met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla this week, and made an impromptu tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, stopping to pray, and to thank a pair of restorers for their work on the basilica’s masterpieces.
On Saturday, the eve of Holy Week, Francis went to the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome to pray privately before a favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. The basilica, which he typically visits before and after his foreign trips, was also his first stop after leaving the Gemelli hospital on March 23.
In the traditional Sunday blessing, the pontiff thanked the faithful for their prayers. “At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more.” For the ninth week, including his five-week hospitalization starting Feb. 14, the blessing was delivered as a text.
The pope offered prayers for those suffering in the conflict in Sudan, which marks its second anniversary on Tuesday, and for Lebanon, where civil war began 50 years ago, as well as for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar and South Sudan.
In a prepared Palm Sunday homily read by a top Vatican cardinal, Francis urged the faithful to carry the cross “of those who suffer around us” to mark the start of the solemn Holy Week.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, led the celebrations, leading a procession of cardinals around the piazza’s central obelisk carrying an ornately braided palm that recalls Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, when crowds waved palm branches to honor him.
The initial welcome contrasts with the suffering that follows, leading up to his crucifixion, which Christians observe on Good Friday, followed by his resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday.
The faithful emerged from St. Peter’s Square carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches to mark the occasion. While the pope’s appearance was widely expected, pilgrims acknowledged some concern that gusts of wind might keep him from entering the square.
“There was a bit of worry when a few drops fell and it was windy but then at the end he surprised us and it was a really great emotion,” said Luigi Mighali. “I think his words, ‘Happy Holy Week and Happy Palm Sunday,’ moved everyone.”
Yesica Andagua, a Peruvian nun, said she was gratified to see the pope doing so well.
“The truth is that it has given me a lot of joy, at least for me, to see that he is getting better and may he get better soon, God willing,” she said.
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Video journalist Francesco Sportelli contributed.
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