Pope Francis surprised Catholic worshippers with an unplanned tour of St Peter’s Square following a Palm Sunday Mass, despite medical advice for him to avoid crowds while recovering from pneumonia.
For the second consecutive Sunday, after the longest hospital stay of his papacy, the 88-year-old pontiff emerged from his Vatican quarters, distributing sweets to children and shaking hands as he made his way around the Vatican landmark.
Seated in his wheelchair, the Argentine appeared to be in relatively good spirits, notably without the nasal cannula—a plastic tube used to assist his breathing during recovery.
Since leaving the hospital, the pope has made several outings despite his doctors’ recommendations to rest, with these surprise visits not included in any official Vatican schedule.
Pope Francis has made several public appearances since being released from the hospital.
After a planned meeting with King Charles III was initially called off due to his health concerns, Francis later privately welcomed the British monarch and Camilla, the Queen Consort, on Wednesday.
The extent of his involvement in the upcoming Easter celebrations— the most sacred time in the Christian calendar—remains to be clarified by the Holy See.
During his Angelus prayer, issued by the Vatican, the pontiff expressed gratitude for the prayers of the faithful and reiterated his customary appeal for world peace.
