VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis made a surprise return to the public eye on Sunday, appearing in St. Peter’s Square for the first time since his release from the hospital two weeks ago. The 88-year-old pontiff was seen smiling and waving to cheering crowds as he was wheeled out in front of the main altar after a Mass, marking a significant moment in his recovery from double pneumonia.
The pope’s appearance had not been announced beforehand. Arriving in a wheelchair shortly before noon local time (1000 GMT), Francis briefly addressed the faithful gathered under the bright spring sun.
“Happy Sunday to everyone,” he said in a frail yet clearer voice than during his previous appearance on March 23. “Thank you so much.” A small oxygen hose could be seen under his nose as he spoke, but the pope smiled broadly as he interacted with the crowd.
This marked his first public appearance since his brief greeting upon leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago. That March 23 appearance followed more than five weeks of intensive treatment in what has been described as the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis progressed into double pneumonia. His medical history, which includes pleurisy in his youth and partial removal of one lung, heightened concern over his condition. According to his lead physician, the pope had come dangerously close to death during his 38-day hospitalization, prompting doctors at one point to consider ending treatment to allow him to pass away peacefully.
Sunday’s Mass was part of a special celebration honoring healthcare workers and individuals who are sick. While Francis did not lead the Mass, the Vatican released a written message from the pope shortly afterward, reflecting on his recent health ordeal.
“I ask the Lord that this touch of his love might reach all those who suffer and encourage those who are taking care of them,” he wrote.
Despite his improved condition, Pope Francis remains under strict medical advice to rest. Doctors have prescribed a two-month recovery period at his Vatican residence, and all prior engagements have been removed from his official schedule.
The Vatican has yet to confirm whether the pope will preside over the Easter celebrations on April 20. Meanwhile, Britain’s King Charles III, who is due to visit Italy next week, has canceled a planned meeting with the pontiff in light of the pope’s ongoing recovery.
Pope Francis had not delivered his usual Sunday noon-time prayer in St. Peter’s Square since February 9. His unexpected appearance this weekend has sparked hope among many Catholics, though it remains unclear how frequently he will return to public ministry in the near term.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
