Pope Francis surprised those gathered Sunday in St. Peter’s Square with his first public appearance in the Vatican since he was released from the hospital two weeks ago.
Francis, 88, arrived in a wheelchair and briefly greeted the crowd before making a short statement and watching as an archbishop delivered his weekly blessing.
“Have a good Sunday. Thank you all!” Francis said into a microphone. Observers said his voice seemed stronger than two weeks ago, when he spoke briefly from a balcony after being discharged from the hospital.
AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
Pope Francis arrives in a wheelchair at the end of a mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sunday. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The Pope spent 38 days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the longest such stay of his papacy. He was initially diagnosed with bronchitis, which evolved into a multifaceted infection and eventually pneumonia.
Even as Francis’ doctors said they almost stopped treatment and “let him go” during a Feb. 28 respiratory crisis, the Pope pulled through. After days of slow but steady improvement, he was released from the hospital on March 23 and has continued his recovery at home in the Vatican.
ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images
Faithful applaud as the Pope Francis is pushed in his wheelchair during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Sunday. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Fittingly, Francis’ Sunday appearance marked the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers, whom he addressed in the homily.
“In this moment of my life I share a lot: the experience of infirmity, feeling weak, depending on the others for many things, needing support,” Francis wrote. “Let’s not ostracize pain from our surroundings. Let’s instead make it an opportunity to grow together, to cultivate hope.”
With News Wire Services
