The 86-year-old’s admittance to hospital with breathing difficulties sparked concerns he may not be well enough to attend a series of rites in the most important week in the Christian calendar.
Pope Francis will preside over mass in St Peter’s Square on Sunday as he kicks off events leading to Easter, just a day after leaving hospital following a bout of bronchitis. The 86-year-old’s admittance to hospital on Wednesday with breathing difficulties sparked concerns he may not be well enough to attend a series of rites in what is the most important week in the Christian calendar. But as a smiling Francis left Rome’s Gemelli hospital Saturday after a three-night stay, he told well-wishers he would be presiding over a Palm Sunday ceremony, which will be followed by the Angelus prayer. Though his voice was weak at times, when asked how he was feeling the pope quipped twice “I am still alive!” Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.
