Religion

Pope Francis Greets Thousands on Palm Sunday, Defying Doctor’s Orders

His Holiness Pope Francis made a powerful public return on Palm Sunday, greeting more than 20,000 faithful in St Peter’s Square as a sign of continued recovery from a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff appeared in a wheelchair, notably without nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen, as he offered warm Easter wishes.

“Happy Palm Sunday, happy Holy Week,” Francis told the crowd. As they wheeled him to the main altar, many reached out to touch his hand or garments.

A Show of Faith

Despite doctors’ recommendations to avoid crowds, the Pope chose to defy medical advice on Sunday, using the moment to express gratitude for the prayers and support he has received during his illness.

“At this time of physical weakness, they help me to feel God’s closeness, compassion and tenderness even more,” he said. He encouraged the faithful to carry the cross “of those who suffer around us” as Holy Week began.

Uncertain Role Ahead of Easter

The Vatican has not yet confirmed what role Pope Francis will take in the upcoming Holy Week celebrations leading up to Easter on April 20. Officials say a decision will be made based on his health in the coming days.

Still, his recent activity has offered hopeful signs. On Sunday, he made his second appearance in the square after being discharged from Gemelli University Hospital on March 23, following a five-week stay. Doctors have prescribed two months of rest at the Vatican.

Calls for Peace Around the Globe

During the Palm Sunday Mass, Francis also offered prayers for regions plagued by conflict. He mentioned Sudan, where war marks its second anniversary this week, as well as Ukraine, the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, South Sudan, and Lebanon — where civil war began 50 years ago to the day.

Surprise Encounters and Royal Visits

In recent days, Francis has resumed a more active schedule. Last week, he made an unannounced visit to St Peter’s Basilica and held a private audience with Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla — an unexpected sign of strength from the recovering pontiff.

As the Catholic world enters the holiest week of the liturgical year, Pope Francis’s resilience and spiritual leadership remain a source of inspiration for millions.

Mimi Mefo Info

Evelyn Ndi

Recent Posts

Fako Trade Unions Decry Non-payment of Salaries at Labour Day Celebration

Some trade unions in Fako Division, South West Region, are urging for better working conditions…

2 hours ago

Bokwaongo Royal Family Rejects Njie Mbonde’s Designation as Chief

By Tata Mbunwe The designation of journalist Albert Njie Mbonde as Chief of Bokwaongo village…

2 hours ago

Menka Village Responds to Separatist Attacks: Kidnapping and Recovery of Stolen Equipment

Youths in Menka, a village in the Pinyin area of Cameroon’s North West Region, have…

3 hours ago

Limbe Hosts 139th International Labour Day Celebrations

The 139th edition of International Labour Day is being marked in Limbe with an official…

5 hours ago

10-Month-Old Baby Abducted in Brutal Attack on Mother

A 10-month-old baby girl, Bih Irene, has been reported missing following a violent assault on…

6 hours ago

La création d’une filiale pétrolière à Kribi sous la présidence de l’épouse du DG de la SNH crée la controverse

Un communiqué publié cette semaine a annoncé la création de CSTAR, une société de projet…

7 hours ago