Pope Francis participated in the Palm Sunday procession from the popemobile, just one day after his release from the hospital.
Last year, due to knee problems, the Pope did not participate in the procession of palms but stayed at the altar. This year, in addition to participating, he moved without using a wheelchair.
During the homily, Pope Francis touched on a delicate issue: youth suicide. He emphasized that Jesus lives among those who are abandoned.
POPE FRANCIS
Unborn children, the elderly who live alone, who could also be your dad, your mom, your grandpa or grandma, abandoned in nursing homes. The sick who no one visits, the disabled who are ignored and the young burdened by great interior emptiness, with no one listening to their cry of pain and find no other option except suicide.
The Pope also recalled those who had died under the Bernini colonnade in St. Peter's Square, where many homeless people seek overnight shelter.
POPE FRANCIS
I think back to weeks ago, a German man, called “homeless,” died under the colonnade alone, abandoned. He is Jesus for each of us. Many people need our closeness.
At the end of the celebration, the Pope expressed his gratitude for all who had prayed for him during his time in the hospital. Those present responded with applause.
Thank you, really.
Pope Francis then took off in the popemobile to pass through the 60,000 people who were gathered in St. Peter's Square.
JRB
TR: AT
