Pope Francis makes surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square

Apr 6

Diane Duenez Weekend Managing Editor

By Diane Duenez (Weekend Managing Editor)

Pope Francis made an unscheduled appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, despite ongoing health issues. This is his first public appearance since leaving the hospital two weeks ago.
The Vatican reported a slight improvement in the pope’s health and said he’s been in good spirits recently, following a hospital stay for bronchitis that developed into pneumonia,
Pope Francis has faced chronic knee and back pain, requiring the use of a wheelchair or cane, and suffered falls at his Vatican residence in December and January.

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Pope Francis made an unscheduled appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, April 6, despite ongoing health issues that have kept him from public events since mid-February.

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Wearing a nasal cannula for supplemental oxygen, the 88 –year-old arrived in a wheelchair as the Mass for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers concluded. He waved to the crowd and made his way to the altar, where he offered a brief message: “Have a good Sunday. Thank you all!”

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After the final blessing, Francis returned to his residence. The pope, who typically offers a weekly noon prayer in St. Peter’s Square, has been unable to perform this duty since Feb. 9.

On Friday, April 4, the Holy See Press Office reported that Francis’ health was showing slight improvement and that he was in good spirits.

The pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Policlinico Agostino Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 for treatment of bronchitis, which later developed into pneumonia. Initial reports indicated he was fighting an infection caused by bacteria, a virus, and fungus in the respiratory tract.

Pope Francis, who has a history of health complications, had part of one lung removed as a young man and has experienced chronic knee and back pain in recent years, often requiring the use of a wheelchair or cane. In 2023, he was hospitalized for bronchitis and underwent abdominal surgery for a hernia.

In recent months, the pope suffered two falls at his Vatican residence — one in December, bruising his face, and another in January, injuring his right arm. The Vatican stated he did not suffer any fractures in either incident.

Tags: Catholic, Catholic Church, Italy, Pope Francis, Vatican

Pope Francis makes surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square

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