Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, where he received treatment for double pneumonia. He entered St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in a wheelchair, warmly greeting the cheering crowds.
The 88-year-old pontiff had been out of public view since March 23, when he delivered a brief greeting before departing from Rome’s Gemelli hospital after a more than five-week stay, marking the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
The pope made a previously unannounced appearance in the square shortly before noon, coinciding with the conclusion of a Mass celebrating the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year.
Emerging in the bright sunshine before the main altar, Francis waved to the crowd and spoke briefly.
The pope beamed as he greeted the attendees, and while his voice was weak, it appeared stronger than during his March 23 appearance when he struggled to speak.
Typically, Francis offers a weekly noontime prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sundays, but he has been unable to do so since February 9, prior to his hospitalization.
He was admitted to the hospital on February 14 for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. This condition was particularly severe for him, given that he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.
During his 38-day hospital stay, he came perilously close to death at one point, leading his doctors to consider halting treatment so that he could pass away peacefully, according to the head of his medical team last month.
This morning’s Mass was part of a special observance honoring healthcare workers and the sick. In a written message issued by the Vatican shortly after noon, Francis expressed that he felt God’s closeness during his time in the hospital.
“I ask the Lord that this touch of his love might reach all those who suffer and encourage those who take care of them,” the message stated.
It remains uncertain how frequently the pope will appear publicly in the coming weeks, especially with Easter Sunday just two weeks away.
Doctors have recommended a two-month rest period for Francis at his Vatican residence to facilitate healing for his aging body, and the Vatican has cleared all his previous commitments from his schedule.
King Charles of Britain, who is visiting Italy next week for a state visit, has canceled a planned meeting with the pope.
The Vatican has not yet confirmed whether the pope will preside over the Easter celebrations on April 20, which is the most significant holiday in the Christian calendar.
