Pope Francis has arrived in St Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday, beginning events leading to Easter, just a day after leaving the hospital.
The 86-year-old’s admittance to the hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties sparked concerns he may not be well enough to attend a series of rites in what is the most important week in the Christian calendar.
But as a smiling Francis left Rome’s Gemelli hospital yesterday after a three-night stay, he told well-wishers he would be presiding over a Palm Sunday ceremony, which will be followed by the Angelus prayer.
Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Easter Sunday on 12 April celebrates his resurrection from the dead.
The head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics has suffered from increasing health issues over the past few years, including knee problems which have forced him to use a wheelchair and walking stick.
During both the Palm Sunday and Easter masses, Pope Francis is expected to remain seated while a cardinal conducts the ceremony at the altar.
The Vatican said this was an arrangement adopted prior to the pope’s latest illness, as he is no longer able to stand for long periods.
Pope Francis felt unwell Wednesday following a general audience in St Peter’s Square, but his condition improved after he was given antibiotics.
Pope Francis marked 10 years as the head of the worldwide Catholic Church earlier this month.