Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Andrew Medichini/AP
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Andrew Medichini/AP
Pope Francis arrives to celebrate Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Andrew Medichini/AP
ROME — Pope Francis overcame health concerns to lead tens of thousands of people in one of the year's most important liturgies, Easter Sunday Mass, in a flower-adorned St. Peter's Square. Ta.
Just hours after celebrating a two-and-a-half-hour Easter Vigil, the 87-year-old Francis appeared in good spirits at the start of the liturgy in a deserted square. Francis, who had part of one of his lungs removed when he was young, had been battling a respiratory illness all winter, which the Vatican and Francis said was bronchitis, the flu, or a cold.
Easter Mass is one of the most important days in the liturgical calendar, celebrating what believers believe is the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. The Mass will be preceded by the Pope's “Urbi e Orbi'' (Blessing of the City and the World), which traditionally includes a long speech summarizing all the threats facing humanity.
Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Andrew Medichini/AP
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Andrew Medichini/AP
Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Andrew Medichini/AP
In recent weeks, Mr. Francisco has generally avoided giving long speeches to avoid strain on his breathing. He abandoned last week's Palm Sunday piety and decided at the last minute to stay home from the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum.
In a brief statement, the Vatican said the decision was taken “to protect his health.”
The decision appears to have paid off, as Francis was able to recite the long Easter Vigil on Saturday night, administering the sacraments of baptism and first communion to eight new Catholics, and celebrating the Easter Vigil. I was able to preside over the Japanese Mass.
After a busy Holy Week, Francis will need time to recover, as he has no major overseas trips planned for several months.
