In good news, the Pope presides over Palm Sunday mass after being discharged from a worrying hospital stay. Only one day after being discharged from the hospital following a bout of bronchitis, Pope Francis presided over mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to inaugurate the celebrations leading up to Easter.
The 86-year-old’s admission to the hospital on Wednesday due to lung issues raised worries. It was thought that he might not be in good enough health to participate in a number of rituals during the most significant week in the Christian calendar.
Nonetheless, Francis had committed to attending. When he drove past the area in his popemobile, which was decorated with more than 35,000 plants and flowers, he waved briefly to about 30,000 people.
He had a solemn expression as he marched behind the group of clergymen. The clergy included red-robed cardinals, who were carrying enormous palm leaves and olive branches across St. Peter’s Square.
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Pope Presides Over Palm Sunday Mass
Before his crucifixion, Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. His resurrection from the dead is commemorated on Easter Sunday, which falls on April 9 this year.
Francis joked with well-wishers who inquired how he was as he left Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday following a three-night stay. “I am still alive!”
For the past few years, the leader of the 1.3 billion Catholics in the world has had an increase in health concerns. This includes knee troubles that have required him to use a wheelchair and a walking stick.
Francis was supposed to stay seated while a cardinal officiates the ritual at the altar during the entire mass.
According to the Vatican, this agreement was made before the pope’s most recent sickness. This is because he can no longer stand for extended periods of time.
During a general audience in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, Francis felt under the weather. Nevertheless, after receiving antibiotics, his condition became better.
It was his second hospitalization since his colon surgery at Gemelli in 2021.
His deteriorating health over the past year has caused widespread worry. There are rumors that he would decide to resign rather than hold the position for the rest of his life.
This month, Francis celebrated his tenth anniversary as leader of the Catholic Church worldwide.