Pope Francis made a heartfelt return to the public eye on Sunday, delighting crowds at the Vatican. This was his first official appearance since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, where he had been treated for a serious case of double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff entered St. Peter’s Square in a wheelchair shortly before noon, surprising many as he joined the celebration of a mass for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as he waved to the cheering crowd, who applauded his presence.
Pope Francis had spent five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, battling a life-threatening illness. His health scare began on February 14, when he was admitted for bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia. Given his medical history, including a past lung surgery, this condition was particularly concerning.
During his appearance, the Pope spoke softly, using oxygen through a nasal cannula. He greeted the crowd with a warm "Happy Sunday to everyone. Thank you so much." His voice sounded stronger than during his brief greeting just before leaving the hospital, which offered a sense of relief to his supporters.
In a message released by the Vatican, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the "caring touch" of God during his recovery. He took the opportunity to pray for those who suffer and for healthcare workers, emphasizing the challenges they face, including inadequate working conditions and even aggression.
This appearance marked a significant moment for the Pope, who has not been able to offer his usual Sunday prayers in St. Peter’s Square since February 9. His return brought joy to many, reminding them of his resilience and dedication to his role.
