Pope Francis made an unexpected appearance before the faithful on Sunday morning, attending a special Jubilee Mass in St. Peter’s Square dedicated to the sick and the healthcare system—his first public appearance after a prolonged illness.
This marked his first outing following a 38-day hospitalization at the Agostino Gemelli clinic in Rome, where the pontiff was treated for bilateral pneumonia. Seated in a wheelchair and wearing nasal cannulas for breathing support, Francis greeted the gathered crowd with raised hands. The crowd responded with applause as he was brought to the altar.
The pontiff also expressed hope that necessary resources would be invested in healthcare to develop inclusive and fair systems focused on the needs of the most vulnerable.
In addition, Francis thanked the inmates of the Rebibbia women’s prison for a get-well card they had sent, assuring them that he is praying for them and their families.
