The Pope Returns... Celebrates Easter Vigil Mass Before Over 8,000 Faithful

Pope Francis (center) is being assisted as he gets into a vehicle after the Wednesday General Audience held at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on the 29th of last month (local time). On the same day, Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, stated that the Pope, who had recently been experiencing difficulty breathing, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, and confirmed that it was not due to a COVID-19 infection.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Pope Francis (86) presided over the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on the 8th (local time). According to the Associated Press, the pope, who was hospitalized and treated for a respiratory infection and has since been discharged, has returned to the public.

The pope, who did not attend the 'Way of the Cross' ceremony held the previous night in the square in front of the Colosseum in Rome, arrived at the basilica filled with about 8,000 believers, accompanied by dozens of cardinals and other clergy holding small candles while riding in a wheelchair.

This is the first time since his inauguration in 2013 that Pope Francis has not personally presided over the 'Way of the Cross' ceremony. The Vatican explained that this was due to the cold weather at the time.

In his homily, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to renew themselves.

He said, "Sometimes we can become tired of taking risks in the repetitive routine and in a cold and ruthless world where only the smart and strong seem to get ahead, and at times we may feel powerless and discouraged in the face of the forces of evil."

He continued, "The widespread attitude of calculation and indifference in society, cancerous corruption, the spread of injustice, and ruthless wars are also causes of discouragement," adding, "But Easter motivates us to roll away the stone of the tomb where we have locked up hope, leaving behind feelings of defeat and moving forward."

During the Easter Vigil Mass, in accordance with the tradition of baptizing believers from around the world, eight believers from Albania, the United States, Nigeria, Italy, and Venezuela were baptized by Pope Francis.

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, the pope was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, after experiencing difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with a respiratory infection.

While hospitalized, the pope's health improved, and he was discharged on the 1st of this month, subsequently celebrating the Palm Sunday Mass held the following day (the Sunday before Easter).