Pope Francis returned to public view on Saturday. He presided over an Easter vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, a day after the newly unwell pontiff skipped Good Friday’s evening procession at the Colosseum due to unseasonably cold weather in Rome.
The ceremony began within the Basilica at the entry with the evocative rite of fire blessing, followed by a candlelight procession while Lumen Christi was sung and the Basilica lights shone brightly.
Eight catechumens from Albania, the United States, Nigeria, Italy, and Venezuela were baptized and confirmed at the ceremony.
During the Easter Vigil, the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading, describing how the women who ventured out to see Jesus’ tomb saw their sadness convert to wonder and joy after seeing the empty tomb and the Risien Christ who calls the disciples in Galilee.
The 86-year-old Pope is recovering from bronchitis, which had him hospitalized for three days on March 29.
Tens of thousands of faithful are expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday for Easter Mass, which marks the end of Holy Week.
Francis hoped to inspire Catholics to be rejuvenated by Easter in his homily.
“At times, we may simply be tired of our daily routine, tired of taking risks in a cold, unforgiving world where only the intelligent and strong seem to get ahead,” Francis explained.
“At times, we may feel helpless and dejected in the face of evil’s power.”
