Pope Francis overcame concerns about his health to preside over Easter Sunday Mass, leading some 30,000 people in a flower-decked St. Peter’s Square in one of the most important liturgies of the year. Despite battling respiratory problems throughout the winter, the 87-year-old pontiff appeared in good form at the start of the liturgy in the blustery piazza.
The Vatican reported that approximately 30,000 people attended the Mass, with additional crowds filling the Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to the square. A moment of slight alarm occurred at the beginning of the service when a gust of wind knocked over a large religious icon on the altar near the pope, but ushers promptly restored it to its place.
Easter Mass holds significant importance on the liturgical calendar as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion. The Mass was followed by the pope’s traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, where he addresses global challenges facing humanity.
Due to health concerns, Pope Francis has been limiting his public appearances and speeches in recent weeks. He opted out of delivering his Palm Sunday homily and chose to skip the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum, with the Vatican citing the need to preserve his health.
Despite these precautions, Pope Francis successfully led the lengthy Saturday night Easter Vigil service, which included administering sacraments to new Catholics, and presided over Easter Sunday Mass without any apparent issues.
Following a busy Holy Week schedule, the pope is expected to take some time to rest and recover, as there are no major foreign trips planned for the coming months.
