Pope Francis, facing the onset of a demanding Holy Week amidst his declining health, made a spontaneous decision to forgo delivering his homily during Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square. Battling chronic knee issues and persistent respiratory problems, the 87-year-old Pontiff refrained from joining the customary procession of cardinals around the obelisk, opting instead to bless the palm fronds and olive branches presented by the faithful.
Although preparations had been made for Francis to deliver a mid-service homily, he surprised attendees by declining to do so when his glasses were handed to him. This left the crowd momentarily in silence, with Vatican officials offering no immediate explanation. Later, the Vatican press office clarified that the homily was substituted with “a moment of silence and prayer.” Nonetheless, Pope Francis actively participated in prayers throughout the Mass, concluding with a heartfelt appeal for global peace.
An estimated 60,000 individuals attended the Mass, held under clear skies, where Francis engaged with the crowd from the popemobile following the service. This marked the beginning of a busy week for the Pontiff, culminating in Easter Sunday, the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
Throughout the week, Pope Francis is slated to partake in various traditional ceremonies, including the symbolic washing of feet at a Rome women’s prison on Thursday and presiding over the torchlit Way of the Cross procession at Rome’s Colosseum on Friday. The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square will follow, alongside his customary noontime blessing from the loggia above.
Navigating such a rigorous schedule is daunting for any Pope, but particularly challenging for Francis given his ongoing health struggles. Throughout the winter, he has intermittently grappled with flu-like symptoms, bronchitis, or colds, leading him to occasionally rely on aides to read his speeches and lessons.
Despite his efforts, Francis, known for his soft-spoken demeanor and occasional breathlessness, has had to contend with the consequences of having part of his lung removed in his youth due to respiratory issues. Last year, he endured a three-day hospitalization for acute bronchitis, followed by two additional hospitalizations for abdominal surgeries, the most recent in 2021.
As the Mass concluded, Pope Francis offered a poignant prayer for peace, particularly emphasizing the recent tragedy at a Moscow concert hall. He implored for divine intervention to soften the hearts of those perpetrating violence, extending prayers for the embattled regions of Ukraine and Gaza, and beseeching the faithful not to forget their suffering amidst the celebrations of Easter.
