Pope Francis made an unexpected public appearance on Sunday, mingling with crowds at the Vatican just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital following a severe bout of pneumonia.
“A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” the 88-year-old pope said as he was wheeled through Saint Peter’s Square in his wheelchair after a mass dedicated to the sick.
Surrounded by a sea of smartphones and cameras, and with nasal breathing tubes attached, his voice was fragile but clearer than when he left the Gemelli hospital on March 23. His last public appearance had been on February 14.
Although Francis is supposed to be undergoing two months of rest and recovery, with no public engagements or contact with crowds due to his life-threatening health scare, he spent Sunday morning blessing the faithful in the sunny square. This provided an encouraging sign of his recovery just weeks before Christians worldwide celebrate Easter.
However, his eagerness to engage with the crowd goes against the advice of his doctors, who have recommended that he avoid large gatherings to reduce the risk of infection.
Pope Francis, seen wearing an oxygen breathing apparatus, looks on during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter’s square in The Vatican, on April 6, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
“He’s doing better, that’s clear, and he wants that to be seen,” a Vatican source told AFP on condition of anonymity. “He’s not yet well enough to deliver a message, but well enough to make a gesture… and show up,” the source added.
– Blessed be the doctors –
According to his doctors, Francis almost died twice during his time in hospital, marking the longest and most challenging period of his 12 years as head of the Church.
His health has led to speculation that he might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who resigned in 2013 due to declining mental and physical health.
Just moments before his unexpected appearance, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics received the sacrament in St Peter’s Cathedral, as stated by the Vatican on Telegram.
As in previous weeks, Francis did not read out the usual Angelus prayer, which was instead published in written form. “I pray for the doctors, the nurses, and the healthcare workers, who are not always provided adequate conditions and are sometimes even victims of attacks,” the pope wrote. “Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected.”
His message included a prayer for an end to global conflicts, mentioning Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, earthquake-affected Myanmar, and Haiti.
– Pray for Gaza –
Francis also prayed for the Middle East, particularly Gaza, where Israel launched a new ground offensive against Hamas militants last week.
In Gaza, he said, “people are forced to live in unimaginable conditions, without shelter, without food, without drinkable water.” He urged, “Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again,” calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas since its October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing war.
Having had part of his lung removed as a young man, Francis has faced numerous health challenges in recent years. Since his release from Gemelli Hospital, he has not received visitors beyond his closest colleagues.
Nevertheless, he has resumed his papal duties, including editing and signing documents, according to the Holy See.
However, he has been forced to reduce his usual busy schedule, and the extent of his involvement in the religious events leading up to Easter—the holiest period in the Christian calendar—remains uncertain.
