Pope Francis surprises with the appearance of Palm Sunday on Petersplatz!

Pope Francis surprises with the appearance of Palm Sunday on Petersplatz!

Petersplatz, Vatikanstadt, Italien - on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, Pope Francis was surprisingly showing himself on St. Peter's Square in Rome. The 88-year-old, who had to spare himself in the past few weeks due to severe pneumonia, was driven onto the altar stage in a wheelchair. Despite his battered state of health, he spoke to about 20,000 believers in a weak voice and wished them a happy Palm Sunday and a blessed Holy Week. His appearance not only pleased those present, but also made a surprising turn because his appearance was not announced. As a joy, he had called everyone to prepare for the upcoming Easter and to stand in need.

Franziskus had shown itself to the public for the first time a week earlier, and in the days since he returned to the Vatican, he had completed several unannounced visits, including St. Peter's Basilica and in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This raises questions about his upcoming appointments, especially with regard to the traditional Easter celebrations in the Vatican, about which speculation increase. The blessing "Urbi et Orbi", which is normally granted directly by the Pope, could possibly be transferred to another cardinal this year, which would represent a historical novelty.

preparations for the Easter celebrations

like Domradio reports, the Vatican plans that Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin grants the blessing "Urbi et orbi" on behalf of the Pope. This would be the first time since the 14th century that this significant blessing was spoken by someone other than the Pope. The blessing is traditionally associated with complete indulgence and is usually pronounced by the balcony of the pars' cathedral for the city and the earth.

As part of the Easter celebrations, it is expected that several cardinals lead important services. These include Cardinal Mauro Gambetti at Mass to the last sacrament on Maundy Thursday and Cardinal Baldo Reina, who will lead the traditional Good Friday cross on the Colosseum. The Easter Night mass in St. Peter's Basilica is also on the program and is carried out by Cardinal Parolin.

impressions from Palm Sunday and the importance of tradition

Pope Francis wore a white robe during his performance and took the time to speak to the believers, including Sister Raffaella Petrini, whom he had previously appointed the first female head of government of the Vatican. In his sermon, presented by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Francis called on to take over Christian responsibility and referred to the injustice of evil and the importance of the cross of Christ. Around 200,000 olive branches were also given away to the worshipers, a custom that reminds of the reception of Jesus with palm fronds when he moved to Jerusalem.

In view of the developing Situation around the Pope's state of health, it remains to be seen how the Easter celebrations will be in the Vatican. The preparation, both spiritually and practical, is in full swing, and the Catholic community looks hopefully for the coming festive days.