Pope oversees Palm Sunday after hospitalisation

Pope Francis presided over mass in St Peter's Square Sunday, just a day after leaving hospital following a bout of bronchitis. His admission to hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties sparked concerns he may not be well enough to attend a series of rites in the most important week in the Christian calendar. He waved briefly to some 30,000 people as he rode in his popemobile through the square, which was adorned with over 35,000 plants and flowers. Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion, and Easter Sunday celebrates his resurrection from the dead. Francis 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.

He was expected to remain seated throughout the mass, while a cardinal conducts the ceremony at the altar. His previous stay at Gemelli in July 2021 lasted 10 days. He had diverticulitis, an inflammation of pockets in the lining of the intestine, which required surgery.