Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Sunday — his first since being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago after a life-threatening bout of pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff appeared in St. Peter’s Square following a special mass for the sick.
Seated in a wheelchair and aided by a nasal cannula, Francis greeted the gathered faithful with a smile and gentle waves, visibly more energetic than during his last sighting from a hospital balcony.
Crowds erupted in cheers as the pope was wheeled in, many moved by his determination to show strength after a 38-day hospital stay that Vatican doctors described as the most serious health crisis of his papacy.
At one point, he nearly succumbed to what was later confirmed as pneumonia in both lungs caused by a polymicrobial infection.
Despite his weakened voice, Pope Francis appeared to move his arms with more ease than in recent weeks and remained engaged throughout his brief but powerful appearance.
Earlier in the day, the pope had quietly visited St. Peter’s Basilica for confession before heading to the square — an unannounced outing that surprised even Vatican insiders.
While he continues to recover at Casa Santa Marta, his residence inside the Vatican, doctors have stressed he will need at least two months of rest. Still, his presence on Sunday sent a clear message: the pontiff, though frail, remains spiritually resolute.
