Pope Francis moves 40,000 faithful with Easter Palm Sunday greeting and prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica

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1. Pope Francis moves 40,000 faithful with Easter Palm Sunday greeting and prayer in St. Peter’s Basilica (134 characters)
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St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican buzzed with energy on the morning of April 13, as roughly 40,000 faithful gathered to mark Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week. Pope Francis, despite a delicate recovery from a prolonged hospitalization due to double pneumonia, astonished everyone by appearing at the end of the mass led by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. With a brief but heartfelt greeting, he wished the crowd a “Happy Palm Sunday! Happy Holy Week!” showing signs of improvement in his health. After addressing the faithful, the pontiff proceeded to St. Peter’s Basilica, where he paused for a moment of silent prayer before the tombs of the Apostle Peter and St. Pius X, as well as the monument dedicated to Benedict XVI. Though short, his appearance brought relief to those closely monitoring the 88-year-old leader’s condition.

Francis’s participation had not been confirmed until the last moment. Still appearing frail, he managed without oxygen support during his greeting, a significant step forward from recent weeks when he relied on respiratory assistance. His voice, though slightly unsteady, carried more strength, offering a glimmer of hope to those present. The homily, penned by Francis himself, was delivered by Cardinal Sandri and expressed gratitude for the prayers offered during his recovery, alongside calls for peace in regions scarred by conflict and natural disasters.

Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, ranks among the most symbolic days in the Christian calendar. In St. Peter’s Square, the ceremony unfolded with hymns, olive branches, and an air of reflection. Francis’s brief presence reinforced the message of resilience and faith he has championed throughout his pontificate. His decision to visit the Basilica after the mass, an unscheduled move, underscored his resolve to stay connected with the faithful, even amidst physical challenges.

A gesture of closeness to the faithful

Francis’s Palm Sunday appearance wasn’t his only recent surprise. Three days earlier, on Thursday, April 10, he made an unexpected visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. Wheeled in a chair and draped in a blanket, the Pope still relied on an oxygen tank but didn’t shy away from engaging with those present. During the visit, he blessed a tourist couple’s baby, a moment that quickly spread across social media and international news. The Vatican’s press office noted that Francis went to inspect restoration work but seized the opportunity to pray and greet the faithful, visibly delighted by the encounter.

That visit, though fleeting, signaled Francis’s intent to maintain his pastoral duties despite health constraints. The image of him smiling as he blessed the child stood in stark contrast to recent photos showing him visibly weakened. The episode reinforced the perception that, despite obstacles, the pontiff remains committed to his mission of staying close to people, offering gestures of warmth and hope.

Francis’s health has drawn global attention since his extended hospitalization late last year. The double pneumonia required intensive care, with doctors prescribing rest and a lighter schedule. Yet, the Pope has pushed to attend key events, like the Palm Sunday celebration. His brief appearance in St. Peter’s Square was seen as a testament to his determination to lead the Catholic Church through Holy Week, one of the most significant periods in the liturgical year.

Key moments of Holy Week

Holy Week in the Vatican unfolds with a series of ceremonies that draw pilgrims from across the globe. Palm Sunday kicks off this cycle with the procession of branches, symbolizing the welcome of Jesus before his passion and death. The open-air mass in St. Peter’s Square saw cardinals, bishops, and worshippers carrying olive branches and palms. Francis’s homily, read by Cardinal Sandri, reflected on compassion and solidarity, with a special plea for those suffering in war-torn regions.

• Prayers for victims: Francis called for peace in nations like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar, highlighting the toll of ongoing conflicts.
• Solidarity with disasters: He acknowledged victims of a nightclub collapse in the Dominican Republic, underscoring his focus on humanitarian crises.
• Gratitude for support: The Pope thanked those praying for him, noting that their support helps him feel God’s “closeness and tenderness” during his recovery.

Francis’s words resonated deeply, earning applause from the crowd as Sandri read them. His absence from leading the mass was offset by his appearance at the end, when he waved from the Apostolic Palace window before heading to the Basilica. The simple yet powerful gesture was seen as a sign of his intent to remain a spiritual guide, despite physical limitations.

Health challenges and an uncertain schedule

Pope Francis’s health has sparked questions about his ability to handle Holy Week’s demanding agenda. The Vatican has indicated that his participation in upcoming events, such as the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum and the Easter Vigil, hinges on factors like weather and his physical condition. The pneumonia left lingering respiratory issues, and his medical team remains vigilant. Still, his oxygen-free greeting on Palm Sunday marked a positive development, suggesting gradual improvement.

Over recent months, Francis has grappled with other health issues, including mobility problems that require a wheelchair. The combination of advanced age and chronic conditions has prompted the Church to adjust his schedule, with fewer public engagements and more tasks delegated to other cardinals. Yet, the Pope persists in maintaining contact with the faithful through general audiences and impromptu appearances, reinforcing his approachable leadership style.

Last year’s pneumonia hospitalization was among the gravest moments of his papacy. For weeks, he remained in intensive care, with limited visitors and sparse updates. The slow recovery forced cancellations of international trips and shorter public addresses. Despite these setbacks, Francis has shown resilience, finding ways to continue his pastoral work without fully stepping back from his duties.

The global reach of his message

Francis’s Palm Sunday words rippled far beyond the Vatican, touching millions of Catholics worldwide. His focus on peace and solidarity aligns with concerns he has voiced since becoming Pope in 2013. Over the years, he has emerged as an advocate for the marginalized, tackling issues like inequality, climate change, and armed conflicts. His current physical frailty contrasts with the enduring strength of his messages, which continue to inspire religious and political leaders alike.

By naming regions like Ukraine and Palestine, Francis reinforces his role as a moral mediator in a tense global landscape. In recent years, he has sent envoys to conflict zones, hosted interfaith dialogues, and penned open letters urging ceasefires. While his statements lack direct political weight, they shape international discussions and galvanize Church-affiliated humanitarian efforts.

His mention of the Dominican Republic disaster reflects his attention to local tragedies often overshadowed by global headlines. Francis’s ability to tie specific events to a broader call for compassion defines his papacy, now over a decade long, and keeps his voice relevant in a divided world.

A packed Holy Week schedule

The Vatican’s Holy Week follows a tight calendar, with events that capture global attention. After Palm Sunday, the coming days feature ceremonies like the Chrism Mass on Thursday and the Way of the Cross on Friday. Each carries deep symbolic meaning, emphasizing sacrifice, redemption, and hope central to Easter. Francis’s participation, still uncertain, is eagerly anticipated by the faithful and media alike.

• Holy Thursday: The Chrism Mass gathers clergy for the blessing of sacred oils, while the Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalls the Last Supper.
• Good Friday: The Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, with meditations penned by the Pope, is a widely broadcast highlight.
• Holy Saturday: The Easter Vigil, a lengthy liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, celebrates the resurrection.
• Easter Sunday: The Easter Mass and Urbi et Orbi blessing cap the week, delivering a global message of peace.

Uncertainty surrounds Francis’s involvement, reflecting ongoing health precautions, but his Palm Sunday appearance sparked optimism. The wheelchair aids his mobility, allowing participation without excessive strain, a critical adaptation for sustaining his presence during key moments.

The power of simple acts

Francis’s Palm Sunday presence, like his surprise Basilica visit days earlier, highlights the impact of understated gestures in his papacy. Blessing a baby, waving to the faithful, or praying before historic tombs carries symbolic weight that transcends his physical state. Amplified by media and social platforms, these moments connect him with diverse audiences, cementing his image as a relatable spiritual leader.

St. Peter’s Basilica, where he prayed post-mass, is among Christianity’s holiest sites, housing relics and monuments tracing the Church’s history. Francis’s choice to visit the tombs of Peter, Pius X, and Benedict XVI’s monument suggests a link to tradition and his predecessors during a time of personal vulnerability. The quiet prayer, away from the spotlight, matched the crowd’s energy in the square, holding equal significance for those following his journey.

Francis’s ongoing recovery is watched by millions who see him as more than a religious figure—a symbol of perseverance. His ability to engage publicly, even with limitations, amplifies the hope he aims to share, especially amid global crises. Holy Week, with its redemption theme, offers a fitting stage for these gestures to resonate deeply.

Looking ahead to Holy Week

The days following Palm Sunday will clarify Francis’s role in Holy Week’s remaining ceremonies. His medical team takes a cautious approach, limiting prolonged exposure to cold or crowds. Rome’s unpredictable spring weather also factors in, as the pneumonia has heightened his vulnerability to respiratory issues.

Still, his St. Peter’s Square appearance fueled optimism. Going without oxygen and speaking more clearly marked progress, though he remains under close care. The wheelchair ensures mobility, enabling him to attend events without overexertion, a balance crucial for his continued leadership.

Holy Week offers Catholics a time of renewal, and Francis’s presence—however limited—carries weight. His call for compassion, echoed in the Palm Sunday homily, speaks to a world grappling with division. Whether through physical attendance or his words, he is expected to shape the narrative of hope that defines Easter.