Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance Since Hospital Stay

Pope Francis made an unexpected public appearance on Sunday, marking his first since leaving the hospital two weeks ago. 

The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been recovering from pneumonia, greeted a crowd at the Vatican and appeared to be in good spirits.

Seated in a wheelchair, Pope Francis was seen with a nasal cannula to assist with his breathing. Despite this, he seemed more mobile and expressive than when he was last seen in public shortly before his discharge from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. At that time, he struggled to raise his arms and speak but managed a wave and a thumbs-up from a balcony.

The pope had spent five weeks in the hospital earlier this year, with his medical team revealing that he came close to death during his battle with pneumonia. However, his health appeared to have improved significantly since his last public appearance.

On Sunday, he moved his arms more freely, and though his voice remained weak, it was noticeably stronger than two weeks ago.

His appearance, which had not been announced in advance, took place during a regular Lenten Mass at St. Peter’s Square, where crowds had gathered in anticipation of the service, unaware that the pope would make a public appearance.

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