Pope Francis yesterday made his first public appearance since leaving hospital two weeks ago, coming into St Peter’s Square at the close of a Mass for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers. Source: Crux.
The Pope was in his wheelchair and receiving oxygen through nasal tubes, but still managed to speak, telling faithful in a breathless and weak-sounding voice, “Happy Sunday to everyone, thank you so much!”
The Pope was accompanied by his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti.
Francis came out for the final blessing at the Mass celebrated by Italian Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation and responsible for organising the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, on the occasion of the Jubilee for the Sick and Healthcare Workers.
The April 4-6 Jubilee for the Sick and Healthcare Workers is part of the broader Jubilee year, and the Pope’s surprise appearance at the end of the Mass marks the first time he has been seen in public since being discharged from hospital on March 23.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for treatment of a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia. He spent 38 days at the facility that included two brushes with death.
He is observing a two-month period of rest in which he continues his drug treatment, as well as motor, respiratory and voice therapy. He continues to receive high-flow oxygen treatment as needed during the day and at night.
The Pope’s appearance at the Mass appears to be a mild violation of doctor’s orders for his two-month convalescence, during which he is supposed to be avoiding crowds and meetings with individuals that are unfamiliar.
In a statement yesterday, the Vatican said the Pope, before joining the Jubilee for the Sick and greeting faithful in St Peter’s Square, went to confession inside St Peter’s Basilica, spent time in prayer, and passed through the basilica’s holy door.
FULL STORY
Pope Francis makes surprise in-person appearance for jubilee of sick (By Elise Ann Allen, Crux)
