VETICAN, Rome: Pope Francis presided over Easter Mass on Sunday, gathering tens of thousands of Catholics at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Despite ongoing concerns about his health, the 87-year-old pontiff arrived in a wheelchair to lead the mass at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), with the event broadcast live worldwide.
Easter Sunday holds significant religious importance as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the culmination of Holy Week observed by 1.3 billion Catholics globally. Following the mass, the pope is expected to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing at midday, addressing international conflicts and issues of global concern.
The pope’s participation in Easter activities follows his leadership of the Easter Vigil at the Vatican on Saturday, attended by around 6,000 people from diverse backgrounds. Despite his recent last-minute cancellation at a major Good Friday procession, Pope Francis delivered a 10-minute homily during the vigil, condemning societal “walls of selfishness and indifference.”
Concerns over the pope’s health have persisted, particularly after his recent cancellations and apparent signs of fatigue. However, a Vatican source clarified that there is “no particular concern” about his health, attributing the cancellations to precautionary measures.
Pope Francis has a history of health issues, including a previous hospital stay for bronchitis and a hernia operation. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a rigorous schedule of engagements, although recent appearances have shown signs of weariness.
The pope’s upcoming schedule includes a planned trip to Venice on April 28, with speculation about a potential visit to Asia and Pacific Ocean nations later in the summer. While Francis has acknowledged the possibility of resigning if unable to fulfill his duties, he recently expressed a commitment to continue serving without any serious cause for resignation.
As Pope Francis continues his leadership of the Catholic Church, his Easter Mass and blessings serve as moments of spiritual guidance and reflection for Catholics worldwide, emphasizing themes of hope, renewal, and unity in the face of global challenges.
