Rome, 6 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Around 20,000 worshippers gathered on Rome's St Peter's Square on Sunday to celebrate a Mass for the sick as part of the 2025 Jubilee year.

The Mass was led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella in the absence of Pope Francis, who is recovering from a lengthy stay in hospital where he was treated for double pneumonia caused by an undisclosed pathogen. A sermon from the pope was read out.

Fisichella is pro-prefect for the Dicastery of Evangelization, a ministry within the Vatican that seeks to spread the Roman Catholic Church's influence in the world.

Francis was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago after a stay of 38 days, during which there were fears for his life.

The Vatican reported on Friday that his health was improving. A comment from a Vatican spokesman at the time led to speculation that the pope could make a public appearance at the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer.

The 2025 Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Doors at St Peter's Basilica on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Jubilees are celebrated every 25 years, although special years are also marked in the intervening periods.