Pope greets Palm Sunday pilgrims
The Holy Father made a brief appearance at the window of his apartment yesterday to greet Palm Sunday pilgrims in St Peters Square. Thousands of people cheered and the Pope waved an olive branch in a silent blessing. For the first time in his 26-year papacy, the Pope was unable to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass. A Vatican spokesman said he watched the service on television. A number of cardinals will stand in for the Pope during the Holy Week ceremonies. The Pope says he will still deliver the traditional Easter Sunday morning blessing and message. Although he is unable to speak very much since his tracheotomy operation, those who have seen him recently say the Pope has managed to have limited conversations with visitors. Doctors have urged him to avoid contact with crowds, as he has a high risk of infection. Source: VIS