Health
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Pope Francis Misses Palm Sunday Mass Due to Illness
## Pope Francis Misses Palm Sunday Mass Due to Illness, but Shows Signs of Recovery
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis missed the Palm Sunday Mass, marking the beginning of Holy Week, due to ongoing health recovery, the Vatican confirmed. However, the 88-year-old pontiff continues to show signs of improvement and made several public appearances this week, offering reassurance to the faithful.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, appointed by Pope Francis, presided over the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Pope's absence. The Vatican anticipates a large turnout despite the Pope’s absence. Cardinal Sandri's selection reflects the Vatican's desire for continuity and respect for Roman rite during this significant week. A homily prepared by Pope Francis, urging the faithful to carry the cross of those suffering, was read by Cardinal Sandri.
Pope Francis's convalescence follows a bout of bilateral pneumonia that Vatican sources described as life-threatening. While he is still recovering and has been advised to avoid large crowds, he has made several surprise appearances this week, including a visit to St. Mary Major Basilica to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, "Salus Populi Romani," a tradition he maintains. He also greeted over 20,000 people in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, offering a brief greeting from his wheelchair. This appearance marked a further sign of improvement, as he did not require supplemental oxygen, unlike in a similar appearance the previous week.
Further demonstrating his improving health, the Pope held a private meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and made an impromptu tour of St. Peter's Basilica, stopping to pray and thank restoration workers. During his brief visit, he greeted and blessed a rosary and offered sweets to a child. He also privately visited the tombs of popes Urban VIII and Paul II, recently restored, expressing gratitude to the restoration team and remarking on their work. This visit marked his third surprise appearance in less than a week.
While Pope Francis’ public appearances will remain limited throughout Holy Week, his continued gestures and spiritual leadership maintain his connection with his followers. The Vatican has not yet indicated what role he will play in the remaining Holy Week events culminating in Easter Sunday.
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis missed the Palm Sunday Mass, marking the beginning of Holy Week, due to ongoing health recovery, the Vatican confirmed. However, the 88-year-old pontiff continues to show signs of improvement and made several public appearances this week, offering reassurance to the faithful.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, appointed by Pope Francis, presided over the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Pope's absence. The Vatican anticipates a large turnout despite the Pope’s absence. Cardinal Sandri's selection reflects the Vatican's desire for continuity and respect for Roman rite during this significant week. A homily prepared by Pope Francis, urging the faithful to carry the cross of those suffering, was read by Cardinal Sandri.
Pope Francis's convalescence follows a bout of bilateral pneumonia that Vatican sources described as life-threatening. While he is still recovering and has been advised to avoid large crowds, he has made several surprise appearances this week, including a visit to St. Mary Major Basilica to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, "Salus Populi Romani," a tradition he maintains. He also greeted over 20,000 people in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, offering a brief greeting from his wheelchair. This appearance marked a further sign of improvement, as he did not require supplemental oxygen, unlike in a similar appearance the previous week.
Further demonstrating his improving health, the Pope held a private meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and made an impromptu tour of St. Peter's Basilica, stopping to pray and thank restoration workers. During his brief visit, he greeted and blessed a rosary and offered sweets to a child. He also privately visited the tombs of popes Urban VIII and Paul II, recently restored, expressing gratitude to the restoration team and remarking on their work. This visit marked his third surprise appearance in less than a week.
While Pope Francis’ public appearances will remain limited throughout Holy Week, his continued gestures and spiritual leadership maintain his connection with his followers. The Vatican has not yet indicated what role he will play in the remaining Holy Week events culminating in Easter Sunday.
