The two-week recuperation period after treating double pneumonia barely kept Pope Francis away, for he attended a public outing Sunday at the Vatican. Pope Francis arrived via a wheelchair but strode into St. Peter’s Square before noon, smiling, as he saluted the screaming crowd standing amidst the shining sunlight. The Vatican’s 88-year-old Pope appeared on his first public occasion after attending Mass in honor of the Jubilee year of the Catholic Church.
“Happy Sunday to all,” Francis whispered, a nasal oxygen tube in view. “Thank you very much.” While still weak, his voice sounded significantly firmer than during his short March 23 appearance when he departed Rome’s Gemelli hospital after more than five weeks—the worst health crisis of his papacy so far.
His public visibility had stopped since Feb. 9, just before he was hospitalized on Feb. 14 with bronchitis, which progressed to double pneumonia. The illness was particularly ominous for the Pope, who had lost half of one lung in his youth as a result of pleurisy. His health had deteriorated so severely during his 38-day hospitalization that physicians considered stopping treatment to let him die peacefully, said his medical staff.
The return of the Pope coincided with a special Mass in tribute to healthcare workers and the sick. In a message written and made public by the Vatican shortly after his appearance, Francis looked back on his stay in the hospital, stating, “I ask the Lord that this touch of his love might reach all those who suffer and encourage those who are taking care of them.”
Though Sunday’s visitation was unexpected, it came as a welcome surprise to the public. It is Francis’ habit to give a Sunday prayer from the Vatican, but he hadn’t been able to do so for weeks. His return sparks speculations regarding his appearance at future Holy Week events, particularly Easter Sunday on April 20.
Physicians have recommended a two-month period of rest at his Vatican home to facilitate recovery, which has led the Vatican to cancel all his prior engagements. Britain’s King Charles has also postponed a planned meeting with the pontiff during his forthcoming state visit to Italy following this advice.
Whether Pope Francis will be well enough to lead the Easter festivities is still unclear, as the Vatican has not yet released an update on his participation.
