‘A Sign of Strength’: Pope Francis Surprises Thousands with Palm Sunday Appearance Amid Recovery

A visibly recovering Pope Francis made a surprise in-person appearance at Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, delighting more than 20,000 faithful as he waved and offered blessings despite recent health challenges.

“Happy Palm Sunday, Happy Holy Week,” the 88-year-old pontiff said briefly, speaking into a microphone after being wheeled down a ramp to the altar. The Pope, who is recovering from a severe bout of double pneumonia, appeared without his usual oxygen support, signaling a notable step forward in his convalescence.

Pilgrims reached out to touch his hand or robes as he passed, while on his way back, the pope paused to bless a rosary and share candy with a young boy. Though he has limited public speech due to strained breathing, his brief words and presence offered powerful reassurance to the global Catholic community.

Steady Recovery Brings Reassurance Ahead of Easter

This marks Pope Francis’ second public appearance since leaving the hospital in late March. On Saturday, he visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray before the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani, a traditional personal pilgrimage site for the pontiff.

Francis also met privately with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the week and took a short tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica to pray and thank restorers for their work on its sacred art.

Though he continues to avoid large crowds per doctors’ advice, the Vatican has not confirmed the extent of his participation in upcoming Holy Week events, culminating in Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday’s Deeper Meaning Led by Cardinal Sandri

During Sunday’s traditional blessing, delivered in written form for the ninth week, Francis expressed gratitude for the prayers that have supported him during this “time of physical weakness,” saying they have helped him feel “God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more.”

The pope also called for peace in conflict zones including Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine, the Middle East, Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan.

Palm Sunday’s Deeper Meaning Led by Cardinal Sandri

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, led the Palm Sunday Mass and read the prepared homily on behalf of the pope. He urged worshippers to carry the crosses of those who suffer as Holy Week begins, a period that reflects both the joy of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and the sorrow of his crucifixion.

Worshippers exited the square with blessed palms and olive branches in hand, moved by the Pope’s resilience.

“There was a bit of worry with the wind and rain, but his appearance truly moved us,” said Luigi Mighali, a pilgrim. “Those simple words were deeply powerful.”

Yesica Andagua, a nun from Peru, added: “It brought me joy to see him looking better. May God continue to give him strength.”