Pope Francis made an unexpected appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital for pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been recovering from a serious respiratory illness, surprised the faithful by showing up at the end of a special mass held for the sick and healthcare workers. Despite doctors advising rest and no public interaction during his recovery period, the Pope was seen greeting the crowd and offering blessings while being wheeled through the square.
Clad in his white robes and attached to nasal breathing tubes, Pope Francis appeared physically weak but mentally alert. He smiled and waved as onlookers raised their phones to capture the moment. “A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” he said softly, drawing warm applause from the crowd.
His appearance marks the first time the Pope has been seen publicly since mid-February. According to Vatican insiders, Francis had been instructed to avoid large gatherings to lower the risk of infection. However, the Pope chose to break from those recommendations to reconnect with worshippers during a key period in the religious calendar, just two weeks before Easter.
“He’s doing better, that’s clear, and he wants that to be seen,” a Vatican source told AFP, noting that while he’s not yet able to give full speeches, his decision to be visible carried strong symbolic meaning. “He’s not yet well enough to deliver a message, but well enough to make a gesture… and show up.”
Before his appearance in the square, Pope Francis quietly received the sacrament inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead of reading the traditional Angelus prayer aloud, a written version was shared with the public.
In the message, he wrote, “I pray for the doctors, the nurses and the healthcare workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and who are even, sometimes, victims of attacks… Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected.”
He also included a prayer for global peace, mentioning war-torn areas including Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Haiti. He gave particular attention to the suffering in Gaza, where ongoing violence has led to a deep humanitarian crisis. “Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again,” he urged.
Despite his frail condition, Pope Francis has resumed some papal duties behind the scenes. The Vatican confirmed that he has been working from his residence, continuing to oversee documents and Church affairs. However, it remains uncertain how involved he will be in upcoming Easter celebrations, which traditionally involve a demanding schedule of public events.
