Vatican City (EFE)
Francis was taken seated in a convertible vehicle, the “popemobile”, to the center of the square, at the foot of the obelisk, to bless the bouquets of the faithful and members of the Roman Curia who had processed through the place a few moments before.
The pope, in a white coat, got out of the car under his own power and walked a few meters to the place arranged for the blessing, aided by the cane he frequently uses due to his knee problems.
This is his first public reappearance since last Wednesday he was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli hospital in Rome due to bronchitis, after presiding over the general audience in the Vatican square, and was discharged three days later, on Saturday.
Upon leaving the hospital, he made some statements to the media that were waiting for him and greeted some of the faithful but, after going to pray in the Basilica of Santa María La Mayor, he returned to his residence in the Vatican, the Casa Santa Marta.
Francisco, 86, has wanted at all times to preside over the rites of Holy Week, which officially open today with Palm Sunday, which commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
However, the Argentine pope will not officiate the Eucharist, but will preside over it. At the altar will be his compatriot, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri.
Pope Bergoglio, however, will deliver a homily.
The celebration started as always with the procession through the Plaza de San Pedro and around the central obelisk of hundreds of people, faithful, men and women religious and members of the Roman Curia, carrying the bouquets.