Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, delivering a blessing to thousands of Catholics gathered for the celebration.
“Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” the pope said. Then Archbishop Diego Ravelli, a Vatican aide delivered the “Urbi et Orbi,” a papal address delivered at Easter and Christmas.
Health Concerns Follow Recent Hospitalization
There had been uncertainty about whether the 88-year-old pontiff would attend. Just last month, he was discharged from the hospital after a five-week stay for an infection that led to double pneumonia. Doctors had advised he rest for at least two months.
Despite these concerns, Pope Francis was seen out twice earlier this week before joining Sunday’s events.
A Special Jubilee Year for Catholics
This Easter is part of a jubilee year, a rare occasion that happens only once every 25 years. Millions of pilgrims are expected to visit Rome throughout the year.
The jubilee began when the Pope opened the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica on December 24. Catholics believe that walking through this sacred door brings forgiveness of sins.
Pope Misses Most of Holy Week Events
For the first time since becoming pope in 2013, Francis missed most of the Holy Week celebrations, including the traditional Easter Vigil on Saturday night. Cardinals carried out the duties in his place.
However, the Pope did make a brief visit inside the basilica on Saturday, where he prayed and handed out sweets to children.
Keep up with updates on the Vatican with us on Que Onda Magazine.