Pope Francis Appears in Public for the First Time After Hospital Discharge

On Sunday, the leader of the Catholic Church was assisted into St. Peter's Square in a wheelchair so he could greet the jubilant crowd, as reported by the Vatican press service.

Pope Francis did not plan any official appearances that day. However, as the Mass for the sick and healthcare workers approached its conclusion, he unexpectedly appeared in St. Peter's Square. The Pontiff waved to the crowd and calmly wished everyone a happy Sunday.

Immediately afterward, he returned to his residence at Casa Santa Marta.

Typically, Pope Francis holds a weekly prayer in St. Peter's Square on Sundays. He ceased to do so in February when he was hospitalized first for bronchitis and later for pneumonia. The 88-year-old Francis has not been seen by the public since March 23, when he blessed the faithful from the window of Gemelli Hospital before his discharge. He spent five weeks in the hospital, marking the most serious health crisis of his twelve-year pontificate.

The Vatican's press service notes that the Pope's condition is improving. He continues to work by watching important church events via video.

In the spring of 2024, during a major flooding disaster in Kazakhstan, Francis expressed his sympathy for the people of Kazakhstan during the Vatican's general audience and prayed for those affected by the disaster.