Pope Francis made a surprising decision to forego his homily during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, causing speculation about his health. Known for his struggles with bad knees and respiratory issues, the 87-year-old pontiff chose not to take part in the typical procession of cardinals around the obelisk. Instead, he blessed the palm fronds and olive branches carried by the faithful from the altar. While journalists had received a prepared text of his homily, Francis refrained from delivering it, opting for a moment of silence and prayer instead. This unexpected change left many in the crowd puzzled, as the Vatican did not immediately provide an explanation.
Despite skipping the homily, Pope Francis continued to offer prayers throughout the Mass and concluded with a heartfelt appeal for peace. He specifically mentioned the tragic attack at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, referring to it as “inhuman.” Additionally, he asked for prayers for Ukraine, describing the situation as martyred, and for the people of Gaza. The mass was attended by an estimated 60,000 individuals under a picturesque spring sky, creating a serene atmosphere during the Holy Week celebrations. Francis took time to greet the attendees from the popemobile at the end of the service.
The upcoming days leading to Easter Sunday are packed with events for Pope Francis, adding to concerns about his health. Traditionally, the Holy Week schedule is demanding for popes, but this year poses additional challenges for Francis due to his ongoing battle with flu-like symptoms. Throughout the winter, he has been grappling with respiratory issues, prompting him to have aides read his speeches at times. This challenging situation was further highlighted on Palm Sunday when he decided to skip his homily, leaving the prepared text to be considered as if it never existed.
Pope Francis has a history of health problems, including the removal of part of one lung in his youth due to a respiratory infection. Last year, he was hospitalized for bronchitis leading up to Holy Week but managed to recover in time to fulfill his duties. During his pontificate, he has faced hospitalizations for abdominal surgery, indicating a recurring pattern of health concerns. Despite his resilient spirit, the toll of his health issues is evident in his speaking style, often speaking softly and appearing to struggle for breath at times.
At the conclusion of the Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Francis delivered a powerful prayer for peace, urging for an end to violence and terrorism worldwide. His words reflected compassion for those affected by conflicts, including the recent attack in Moscow and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity in times of distress, calling upon the faithful to remember those suffering and to seek solutions through peace and dialogue. The poignant prayer served as a reminder of the pontiff’s commitment to promoting harmony and understanding in a tumultuous world.
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