It’s not even month since Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, but despite the doctors having urged him to rest for 60 days away from the crowds, the Pontiff is increasingly making unscheduled appearances as the Holly Weeks begins.
Today (13), Pope Francis was wheeled in at the end of a Palm Sunday service, in St. Peter’s Square.
He greeted the faithful from his wheelchair as he – while still frail – looked to have improved since his last appearance.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/pope-francis-makes-brief-appearance-after-palm-sunday-service-2025-04-13/
Reuters
“‘Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week’, the pope said, before once returning inside the Vatican, stopping occasionally to talk with the faithful, including a group of delighted nuns.
Unlike last Sunday, when he made his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital three weeks ago, the pope was not receiving oxygen via a small hose under his nose.”
Pope Francis, without supplemental oxygen, makes a surprise appearance at the conclusion of Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, saying a few words to wish the faithful present a “Good Palm Sunday and a good Holy Week to you all.” pic.twitter.com/KqbqqiJdAS
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) April 13, 2025
Francis was discharged from the hospital on March 23 after fighting a lung infection that very nearly killed him.
“However, in a sign that he might be feeling stronger, he has made four unannounced appearances this past week, and also briefly met Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla.
It is still not known how much he will participate in the forthcoming Holy Week – the most important week in the Church calendar which is packed with services and events.”
POLITICO reported:
“Many in the crowd reached out to touch Francis’ hand or garments as he was brought in a wheelchair down a ramp to the main altar, where he issued his brief greeting into a microphone.
[…] The 88-year-old Francis is entering his fourth week of convalescence during which doctors have advised him to avoid crowds. While Francis is clearly eager to show he is feeling better, he has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers from a severe respiratory crisis. The Vatican said it was waiting to advise on what role he may play in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday.”
He’s on the move!
This afternoon, Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the revered image of the Virgin Mary. pic.twitter.com/8eJ4uqcjow
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) April 12, 2025
Nueva visita sorpresa del #PapaFrancisco, esta vez se presentó sin previo aviso en la Basílica de Santa María la Mayor de #Roma para rezar ante la imagen de la Salus Populi Romani, a la que tiene tanto cariño.
Fuente: @Agenzia_Ansa
Foto: @vaticannews_es
Vídeo: Nina Fabrizio pic.twitter.com/los4oBt8vw— MarinellysTremamunno (@Marinellys) April 12, 2025
Yesterday (12), the eve of Holy Week, Francis paid a visit to the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome.
He prayed privately before his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani.
“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.
[…] 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.”
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