Not long after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis, despite medical advice for a 60-day rest, has been actively engaging with the faithful as the Holy Weeks commence. On April 13, Pope Francis, still frail but showing signs of recovery, made an unscheduled appearance at the end of the Palm Sunday service in St. Peter’s Square, greeting admirers from his wheelchair.
“‘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.”
— Catholic Sat
April 13, 2025
On March 23, Pope Francis was released from the hospital after recovering from a severe lung infection. Since then, the Pope has made four unexpected public appearances, even meeting with Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla. However, his participation in the upcoming Holy Week remains uncertain, as church officials await further advice on his health status.
According to Politico: “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.
— Catholic Vote
April 13, 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
— Marinellys
April 12, 2025
On April 12, just one day before the Holy Week, Pope Francis visited the St. Mary Major Basilica in central Rome. He prayed privately before the cherished icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. During his traditional Sunday blessing, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the prayers of the faithful, revealing how they helped him feel God’s presence more deeply during his time of physical weakness. For nine consecutive weeks, the blessing has been delivered in text form, since his hospitalization began on February 14.
In a Palm Sunday homily, read by a top Vatican cardinal, Francis called upon the faithful to bear the cross alongside those who suffer, marking the beginning of the solemn Holy Week.
