Pope Francis Makes Surprise Palm Sunday Appearance

Pope Francis made a surprise in-person appearance at St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, marking a reassuring sign of his recovery from a life-threatening battle with double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is convalescing, was brought in a wheelchair to the main altar where he greeted the crowd of over 20,000 faithful and wished them a "Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week." Francis has not spoken more than a few words in public as he recovers and was not wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen. He also blessed a rosary and offered candy to a boy who greeted him, and later thanked the faithful for their prayers. The Vatican is waiting to advise on his role in upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis greeted the faithful at the Vatican on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, despite recovering from double pneumonia. He appeared at the end of the mass, wished pilgrims a "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week," and greeted crowds from his wheelchair for about 10 minutes, stopping to talk with some of the faithful, including a group of nuns. Approximately 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the celebration. The Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers of the faithful, stating that they helped him feel God's closeness during his physical weakness.

Pope Francis appeared in St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday mass, continuing his recovery from a five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff was seen without nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen for the first time and greeted a crowd of 20,000, thanking supporters and wishing them a "Good Palm Sunday". He delivered a traditional Sunday blessing, praying for peace in various conflict zones, and stopped to bless a rosary and offer sweets to a boy during the event.