Pope Francis, seen wearing an oxygen breathing apparatus, looks on during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter's square in The Vatican, on April 6. Image credit: AFP.
(The Post News)- Pope Francis made an unexpected public appearance on Sunday, greeting the crowds in St. Peter’s Square just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff had been recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia that required him to be hospitalized for several days.
Wheeled through the square in a wheelchair and visibly connected to nasal oxygen tubes, Pope Francis addressed the crowd with a faint but audible voice, saying, “A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much.” This marked the first time he had been seen in public since February 14.
His surprise appearance came after a mass dedicated to the sick, during which he blessed the gathered faithful. Despite still being in the midst of a two-month recovery period, which includes strict instructions for rest and minimal public contact, the pope’s gesture offered a hopeful sign of his improving health as Easter approaches.
A Vatican official, who requested anonymity, told AFP, “He’s doing better, that’s clear, and he wants that to be seen. He’s not yet well enough to deliver a message, but well enough to make a gesture and show up.”
In a brief moment before his public outing, Pope Francis participated in a private sacrament at St. Peter’s Cathedral, as confirmed by the Vatican’s official Telegram account. Although he was unable to deliver his usual Angelus prayer aloud, the pontiff’s message was published in written form. In his statement, Pope Francis expressed support for healthcare workers, acknowledging their difficult and often dangerous work. “I pray for the doctors, the nurses, and the healthcare workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and who are even, sometimes, victims of attacks,” he wrote.
The pope also called for prayers to end global conflicts, specifically mentioning ongoing crises in Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Haiti. His message also extended to the Middle East, particularly Gaza, where the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. “Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again,” he said, advocating for the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attack by Hamas.
Though Pope Francis has not received visitors since his discharge from Gemelli Hospital, he has continued his papal duties in private, including reviewing and signing documents, according to the Holy See.
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