Pope Francis made an unannounced public appearance on Sunday, marking the first time he has been seen in public since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago.
The pontiff greeted worshippers at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, smiling and appearing in good spirits.
Seated in a wheelchair and using a nasal cannula for breathing support, the 88-year-old pope looked noticeably stronger than during his last public sighting before leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
Francis had spent 38 days hospitalized due to pneumonia, following a serious polymicrobial infection that began as a severe respiratory illness in mid-February. Doctors later revealed that he had come close to death during two critical episodes. When he was last seen in public before his release, he appeared visibly weak and struggled to speak or lift his arms, though he managed to offer a wave and a thumbs-up from a hospital balcony.
On Sunday, however, he moved more freely and spoke with a slightly stronger voice.
His appearance came after attending confession in St. Peter’s Basilica and coincided with a special mass for the sick. The crowd erupted in cheers as the smiling pontiff was wheeled out to greet them.
The Vatican has stated that the pope will continue his recovery at Casa Santa Marta, with doctors recommending a two-month recuperation period following his discharge on March 23.
This recent health scare has been the most serious of his papacy, which began in 2013.
