• Pope Francis makes his second public appearance since recovering from double pneumonia.
• He greets over 20,000 people in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday.
• The pontiff expressed gratitude for the prayers of the faithful during his recovery.
• Francis offered prayers for global conflicts, including Sudan and Ukraine.
• There is uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming Holy Week events.

Pope Francis made a significant public appearance on Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square, greeting more than 20,000 faithful while recovering from double pneumonia. In a wheelchair, he wished everyone a "Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week," marking an encouraging sign of his health recovery, according to Reuters.

The 88-year-old pontiff was notably not using supplemental oxygen, a change from his previous appearance, which has delighted those in attendance. As he was wheeled to the main altar, Francis stopped to bless a rosary and even offered candy to a child in the crowd, reports NPR.

Pope Francis's health concerns come after a five-week hospitalization, during which doctors expressed that his pneumonia was life-threatening. Following his discharge on March 23, he has resisted doctors' advice to avoid crowds and has made multiple appearances, showing eagerness to engage with the faithful, as noted by CBS News.

The Vatican remains uncertain about the pope's role in Holy Week events leading up to Easter, although he has continued to thank the public for their support during his recovery. He offered prayers for those suffering in Sudan, Lebanon, and for peace in various regions globally, as covered by Al Jazeera.

This public engagement is significant as it contrasts with the solemnity of the upcoming week, leading to Good Friday and Easter Sunday celebrations. As a traditional observance, the crowd emerged from St. Peter's Square carrying blessed palm fronds in commemoration of the day, detailed in Channel News Asia.