Vatican. Who will chair the mass on Palm Sunday? A new message on Pope Francis

Pope Francis will not preside the mass on Palm Sunday. He will be replaced by his delegate, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri – said the Vatican on Friday. The Holy See also writes about improving the health of the head of the church.

Franciszek undergoes convalescence after severe bilateral pneumonia. He undergoes motor and respiratory physiotherapy in his Vatican house. “There is an improvement that you could see during the Pope's exit” from the house of St. Marty – gave journalists the press office of the Holy See.

In addition, it was reported that the Pope resumed meetings with representatives of the Roman Curia. He has already seen, among others, with the head of diplomacy VaticanArchbishop Paul Richard Gallagher and the prefect of some Vatican offices. Referring to the unexpected Thursday's visit of Franciszek to the Basilica of Saint Peter, it was pointed out that he was happy that he could go there and meet people.

Palm Sunday. Questions about the presence of the Pope

It is not yet known whether the Pope will come to St. Piotr on Palm Sunday during the mass, which is to be celebrated by Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. The cardinal celebrated a solemn mass on Palm Sunday in 2023. The Pope, who was recovering after a three -day stay in the hospital due to bronchitishe gave a homily then, but sometimes he spoke in a clearly weakened voice.

In 2024, Franciszek at the last minute omitted the reading of the homily During the mass on Palm Sunday. Commentators suggested a year ago that this was the result of the Pope's prolonged health problems. The Reuters agency noted that it was extremely rare that the head of the church would skip the sermon during such an important event. On Palm Sunday, the mass commemorates Jesus' entry to Jerusalem.

Franciszek's pontificate “second phase”

A photo of the Pope without a cassock and Piuski appears on the first pages of Friday's releases of Italian newspapers. “Il Messaggero” writes that this is the second phase of Franciszek's pontificate, “under the sign of slow recovery” after staying in the hospital and “characterized by constant surprises”. This time, he adds, Franciszek wanted to see the conservation works in the Basilica of Saint Peter with his own eyes. When he arrived, there were hundreds of amazed and happy faithful.

The journal notes that this completely unusual image of Francis caused extreme opinions. Never before in the Vatican Basilica has been seen without a cassock – he emphasizes. According to the Vaticanist Franc Gijeldati, this is “an obvious example of the fact that Franciszek needs normality.” The recording from the basilica will go down in history, like Wednesday's private meeting with the King of Great Britain Karol III and his wife Queen Kamilla – says “Il Messaggero”.

“Corriere della Sera” reminds that this is another surprising exit of the Pope from his apartment. As he emphasizes, this is also proof that he is recovering. Therefore, in this situation it can be assumed that Francis will take part in the Holy Week celebrations – says the daily. “The image of a pope who is simply a human” – yes “La Stamp” summarizes the scene of the basilica. “Il Giornale” emphasizes: Franciszek shows that “he is a man who is fighting the disease, a fragile pastor among his people.” He draws attention to the fact that those who were in the basilica “dumb” at the sight of him.