Pope Francis Makes Short Palm Sunday Appearance in Wheelchair

Vatican City (Eurotoday) – Pope Francis made a brief appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday following Palm Sunday Mass, greeting the faithful from his wheelchair as he continues to recover from a serious bout of double pneumonia.

“Wishing you a joyful Palm Sunday and Holy Week,” the pope said, making his way back into the Vatican. He paused to interact with well-wishers, including a group of joyful nuns.

How serious was Pope Francis’s health scare?

Unlike the prior Sunday, when he made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital three weeks ago, Pope Francis was not using supplemental oxygen. He was released from the hospital on March 23 after spending five weeks in treatment for a lung infection that reportedly almost took his life.

During his 38-day struggle with pneumonia, Pope Francis came dangerously close to dying. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the pope’s medical team, there was even a discussion about halting treatment so he could pass away with dignity. This followed a frightening incident on February 28, when the pope nearly choked to death on his vomit.

Doctors have prescribed two months of rest, and Pope Francis initially refrained from public appearances upon returning home. However, his condition seems to be improving, as evidenced by four surprise appearances this past week, including a brief meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom.

Will Pope Francis join Holy Week celebrations?

The Catholic Church enters its liturgically busiest week with the approach of Easter, but Pope Francis’s participation remains uncertain due to his ongoing recovery. His doctors have firmly advised continued rest, raising the likelihood that he will remain out of the public eye during Holy Week.

At 88 years old, the pontiff is expected to limit his schedule in order to facilitate healing. As Christians around the world commemorate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Pope Francis may have to observe most activities privately.