A DAY AFTER BEING DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL, POPE FRANCIS PRESIDES OVER PALM SUNDAY MASS

Pope Francis spoke to tens of thousands of his followers during Palm Sunday mass in St. Peter’s Square, one day after being released from the hospital. The head of the Roman Catholic church presided over the mass while dressed in his typical long white cloak.

The Pope thanked those who prayed for him during the illness saying, “I thank you for your participation and also for your prayers, which intensified during these past days. Thank you!”

According to Christian customs, Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem in the time leading up to his crucifixion, which Christians observe on Good Friday. It is one of the longest services on the Church’s calendar as the Pope managed to get through it, despite his voice sounding hoarse, due to the bronchitis infection. 

He read a 15-minute long speech and even deviated from the speech on an instance about a homeless German man who died, “alone, abandoned”. 

“I, too, need Jesus to caress me,” Francis said.

The upcoming Holy Week is expected to be busy for Pope as he partakes in numerous appointments as well as other shindigs.  

Notably, the Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on Wednesday after reportedly experiencing respiratory issues after his weekly public audience. 

According to the Vatican, Pope France received antibiotics intravenously for his condition, reported Associated Press. While leaving the hospital, the Pope quipped, “I’m still alive” much to the amusement of reporters.