Following a Palm Sunday mass led by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on his behalf, Pope Francis wished those gathered in Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week,” according to Vatican News.

Francis, who is recovering from pneumonia, greeted the crowds from his wheelchair for about 10 minutes, pausing to speak with some, including a group of nuns.

Unlike the previous Sunday, the Pope was not using supplemental oxygen during this public appearance, his first since being released from the hospital three weeks prior.

The 88-year-old Francis was released from the hospital on March 23rd after a five-week stay for a lung infection that his doctor said was life-threatening.

An estimated 40,000 people attended the Palm Sunday celebration, commemorating the Passion of the Lord. The Vatican stated the Pope is limiting his exposure to the weather to aid his recovery from his respiratory issues.

Sandri read Pope Francis’s homily during the mass, which marks the start of Holy Week, a period commemorating the Lord’s passion, death, and resurrection.

Worshippers left carrying blessed palm fronds or olive branches in observance of Palm Sunday.

The Vatican is evaluating the role the Pope might play in the upcoming Holy Week events leading up to Easter Sunday.

“Brothers and sisters, I am very grateful for your prayers,” the Pope said in a statement released by the Holy See Press Office. “During this time of physical weakness, they help me feel God’s closeness, compassion, and tenderness even more. I am also praying for you, and I ask that you join me in entrusting all those who are suffering to the Lord.”

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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