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Vatican City – April 13, 2025
Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, delighting thousands of faithful gathered for the start of Holy Week. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is recovering from a recent bout of double pneumonia, greeted over 20,000 worshippers in a wheelchair after the conclusion of the morning Mass.
The unexpected visit came just a day after another unannounced outing, when the Pope quietly visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for private prayer—his second surprise public engagement in as many days.
Appearing without the nasal oxygen tubes he had used during recent public moments, Pope Francis smiled and waved as he made his way through the square. Though he did not preside over the Mass, he offered a short message to the crowd: “Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week.” He also took time to bless rosaries and other religious items, and interacted warmly with groups of nuns and pilgrims.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, celebrated the Mass on the Pope’s behalf and delivered the homily. His message emphasized the humility of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and called for compassion, particularly toward the suffering and marginalized.
Despite doctors recommending a two-month rest period following his illness, Pope Francis has continued to make selective appearances, balancing his pastoral commitment with caution. Vatican officials have not confirmed whether he will participate fully in upcoming Holy Week events, including the Holy Thursday liturgy and Easter Sunday celebrations.
During his brief remarks, the Pope also expressed gratitude for the prayers offered during his illness and issued a renewed call for peace in global conflict zones. He named several troubled regions, including Ukraine, Sudan, Lebanon, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan.
The Pope’s recent activity follows a quiet but meaningful meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla earlier this week, reinforcing his ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue with world leaders despite ongoing health concerns.
For the Catholic faithful around the world, Sunday’s appearance was a deeply moving moment of reassurance—a reminder of Pope Francis’s enduring dedication even amid personal suffering. Whether he will continue this public rhythm during Holy Week remains to be seen, but the tone he set with Sunday’s quiet, heartfelt greeting was one of perseverance and hope.