Tidbits On the Tiber: Other Sights and Sounds from Palm Sunday

While the dominant Vatican headline yesterday was Pope Francis’ triumphant return to form in the Palm Sunday liturgy after three days in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis, other tidbits, mostly in Sunday’s Italian press, have sort of flown below the radar.

One Day After Leaving Hospital, Pope Leads Palm Sunday Mass

Despite being discharged from the hospital just a day earlier, Pope Francis presided over an outdoor Palm Sunday Mass in a brisk St. Peter’s Square, telling believers to embrace those who feel abandoned as Jesus did on the cross.

Pope Responding to Treatment for Bronchitis, Vatican Says

At the end of Pope Francis’ first full day in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for bronchitis, the Vatican said he is doing well and is responding to treatment, and spent his afternoon resting and in prayer.

U.S. Church Leaders Offer Prayers for Pope Francis’ Recovery

Catholic Church leaders around the country offered prayers for Pope Francis following the Vatican’s March 29 announcement that he would be hospitalized in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for a few days to treat a respiratory infection.

The Health History of Pope Francis

As Pope Francis continues to recover from his respiratory infection in Rome, his health issues and age have raised concern for many in the Catholic community.