Pope Francis leads Palm Sunday mass day a day after leaving hospital

The 86-year-old pontiff addressed a crowd of 30,000 at St Peter’s Square with a “a weak and slightly breathless voice”. See photos, video

Pope Francis has celebrated Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square, just a day after leaving hospital where he was admitted for breathing difficulties.

More than 30,000 people gathered in the square as the 86-year-old pontiff — on board the popemobile — stopped by the ancient obelisk in the centre of the square and blessed the palms before transporting him to the altar.

He opened the mass with “a weak and slightly breathless voice”, according to Italian media as he called on the faithful in his homily to “take care of those who are left alone.”

Pope Francis blesses the faithful as he tours St. Peter's square in the popemobile car following the Palm Sunday mass. Picture: AFP

“There are entire populations who are exploited and left to their own devices,” he said.

“There are migrants who are no longer faces but numbers, rejected inmates and people categorised as problems.”

Pope Francis was taken to Rome’s Gemelli hospital last Wednesday and was treated for bronchitis.

He confirmed on Saturday he will preside over Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square, the start of a busy week of events leading up to Easter.

A girl handing an olive branch to Pope Francis during the Palm Sunday mass at St. Peter's Picture: Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP

Earlier, Pope Francis joked with wellwishers that he is “still alive” after getting out of the car transporting him to meet with a crowd of supporters.

He told one person who asked him about his health: “I am still alive!”

Pope Francis in the popemobile during Palm Sunday mass at St. Peter's square in The Vatican. Picture: Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP

As the crowds clapped, Francis headed off to the Vatican to begin preparations for Holy Week and Easter.

The pontiff’s condition improved after he was given antibiotics.

On Friday, the pope visited the children’s cancer ward at the hospital, handing out chocolate Easter eggs.

Pope Francis waves as he leaves the Gemelli hospital. Picture: AFP

He also baptised a week-old baby boy, according to a video published by the Vatican.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said Pope Francis had been working earlier on Friday in the hospital’s private papal suite on the 10th floor and catching up on newspapers.

On Thursday night, he ate pizza with some hospital staff.

Pope Francis hugs Serena Subania as her husband Matteo Rugghia (L) reacts, a couple who lost their five-year-old child a day earlier, as the Pope leaves the Gemelli hospital. Picture: AFP

His hospitalisation was his second since 2021, when he underwent colon surgery.

His increasing health issues over the past year have sparked widespread concern, including speculation that he might choose to retire rather than stay in the job for life.

Visitors to St Peter’s Square on Friday expressed relief over his recovery.

Pope Francis addresses the media as he leaves the Gemelli hospital. Picture: AFP

“I was afraid for the pope,” said Davide, a 56-year-old Italian tourist.

“But I’m happy he’s better, that he’s returning. For believers and the Catholic community, it’s important,” he added.

Pope Francis marked 10 years as the head of the worldwide Catholic Church earlier this month.

He has pushed through major governance reforms and sought to forge a more open, compassionate church, although he has faced internal opposition, particularly from conservatives.

The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to Gemelli hospital on March 29 after suffering from breathing difficulties. Picture: AFP

Pope Francis has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

The pontiff has suffered from mobility problems related to his knee in recent months, forcing him to rely on a wheelchair to get around.

His admission to hospital sparked widespread concern, particularly after unconfirmed reports that he arrived in an ambulance.

“I am touched by the many messages received in these hours and I express my gratitude for the closeness and prayer,” the Pope said in a message posted on Twitter.

Despite his list of ailments, the Pope has remained active and has undertaken trips abroad this year. He visited the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan in February with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In January, he led the funeral of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, the first pontiff to step down voluntarily for centuries.

Pope Francis has previously indicated that he may also wish to follow in Benedict’s footsteps in the event that his health worsened.