Pope Francis presided over Easter Mass on Sunday at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, attended by tens of thousands of Catholics. Despite concerns over his health, the 87-year-old pontiff arrived in a wheelchair to lead the Mass, which was broadcast globally.
Traditional Blessing to Follow
Following the Mass, Francis is set to deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing at midday, where he is expected to address ongoing international conflicts. Easter Sunday holds immense significance for Christians worldwide, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and concluding Holy Week ceremonies observed by 1.3 billion Catholics.
Previous Events and Health Questions
The pope's appearance at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, attended by 6,000 people from various nations, came a day after he canceled a major Good Friday procession, raising concerns about his health. However, during the Easter Vigil, Francis delivered a homily without difficulty and showed little sign of fatigue afterward.
Vatican's Statement and Assurance
In response to concerns, the Vatican issued a statement clarifying that the pope's withdrawal from the Good Friday procession was a precautionary measure to preserve his health. Despite occasional signs of fatigue, the Vatican maintains there is no specific concern regarding Francis's health.
Continued Engagement Amid Fatigue
While the pope has appeared tired at times and occasionally delegated speaking roles to others, he has continued to fulfill his various engagements throughout the week. However, questions linger about the sustainability of his rigorous schedule, given his advanced age and recent health challenges.
Future Travel Plans and Speculations
Francis's next scheduled trip is to Venice on April 28, but the Vatican has not confirmed a planned journey to Asia and Pacific Ocean nations for the summer. Speculation persists about the pope's potential resignation, following the precedent set by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, in 2013.
Francis's Perspective
In a memoir published this month, Pope Francis addressed speculation about resignation, stating that he currently sees no serious reason to consider stepping down. However, the pontiff remains committed to his duties despite the physical toll, embodying his dedication to serving the Catholic Church.
