Pope Francis makes surprise public appearance since leaving hospital
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Pope Francis appeared to be in good spirits and much healthier than his first public appearance when he was first discharged.
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Pope Francis arrives in a wheelchair at the end of a mass in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Sunday, April 6, 2025, part of the Jubilee of the sick and the health workers (AP)
Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Saturday for the first time since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, following a weeks-long battle with pneumonia.
Although the Pope came out in a wheelchair and seemingly used a nasal cannula to help him breathe, he greeted the Vatican and appeared to be in good spirits.
Pope Francis looked healthier than during his last public appearance two weeks ago, shortly before his release from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. At that time, he had difficulty speaking and lifting his arms, though he still managed to wave and give a thumbs-up from a balcony.
On Sunday, he seemed to move his arms more freely. His voice remained weak, but it was noticeably stronger than before.
Crowds of worshippers filled St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday as the pope made a brief appearance following a Mass dedicated to the sick.
The smiling pontiff was met with loud cheers as he was wheeled in.
According to the Vatican, the pope had gone to confession inside St. Peter’s Basilica earlier that morning before coming out to greet pilgrims and the faithful gathered in the square.
Francis, who had part of his lung removed in his youth, had been receiving care in a special papal suite at Rome's Gemelli hospital since February 14.
On March 4, the Pope suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" due to a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and a consequent bronchospasm.
"Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, requiring aspiration of abundant secretions," the Vatican said. "In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed."
He made a stable recovery after, allowing him to leave the hospitals later in March.
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