A recovering Pope Francis made a heartfelt appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, greeting more than 20,000 faithful and wishing them “a good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week” in a strong sign of improvement after a serious bout with double pneumonia.
Wheeled down a ramp to the main altar, the 88-year-old pope greeted the crowd, many of whom reached out to touch his hand or garments. Notably, he was not wearing nasal oxygen tubes, which he had used in previous appearances, signaling progress in his convalescence.
Francis kept his remarks brief, continuing to follow his doctors’ advice to avoid speaking at length while in recovery. On his way back to the basilica, he paused to bless a rosary and handed candy to a young boy, delighting the crowd with his warmth.
This marks his second public appearance in the square since his release from Gemelli Hospital on March 23. In the past week, he also made a private visit to the St. Mary Major Basilica, met with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and personally thanked restorers working inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
During the traditional Sunday blessing—still delivered in written form—Pope Francis thanked the public for their prayers. “At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more,” the message read.
His homily, read by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, encouraged the faithful to bear the burdens of others as Holy Week begins. Cardinal Sandri also led the Palm Sunday procession, with cardinals carrying ornately braided palms around the piazza, symbolizing Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
The pope concluded by offering prayers for peace in conflict zones around the world, including Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan.
As Holy Week unfolds, the Vatican has not yet confirmed the extent of the pope’s participation in the upcoming Easter celebrations.
