Crowd Erupts in Joy - Pope Makes an Appearance at St. Peter's Square
Pope Francis Misses Palm Sunday Celebration, Pope Leo XIV Steps In
In an unexpected turn of events, Pope Francis was absent from the Palm Sunday celebrations in Rome, with his health concerns casting a shadow over the proceedings. Instead, Pope Leo XIV, who has recently been active in public addresses, took part in the solemn ceremonies.
The 88-year-old Pope Francis was pushed in a wheelchair by his caregiver, Massimiliano Stroppetti, as he was unable to attend the liturgy. The Palm Sunday procession, which initiates the series of services leading to Easter Sunday, did not include the Pope.
However, on Saturday afternoon, the Pope unexpectedly visited the Roman basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Although his health remains critical, Francis seemed to be in good spirits during his appearance. He greeted and blessed the many pilgrims gathered there. Approximately 20,000 believers had their olive branches blessed.
Traditionally, palm branches are carried in the church procession, blessed with holy water, and then placed behind crucifixes in homes. The Palm Sunday liturgy commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and marks the beginning of the liturgy for Holy Week.
With the Pope's absence, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, an Argentine, celebrated the liturgical feast of Palm Sunday in his place. A procession of about 100 young people, bishops, and cardinals marched on St. Peter's Square up to the altar in front of St. Peter's Basilica.
St. Peter's Square was adorned with flowers, and the pilgrims gathered in Rome waved olive branches as a greeting, which recall Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The crowd cheered, with some pilgrims shouting "Viva il papa!" (Long live the Pope!). Pope Leo XIV, standing in for the convalescing Pope, delivered a hoarse but heartfelt "Happy Palm Sunday, happy Easter week."
It remains uncertain whether the 88-year-old Pope Francis will participate in any form in the Easter celebrations. The Holy Week, the climax of the church year, begins today, with approximately 1.7 billion Catholic and Protestant Christians worldwide participating.
As the world waits with bated breath for the Pope's recovery, the spirit of faith and devotion remains undeterred in Rome and beyond.
