Asger Risom
The pontiff greets crowds in St. Peter’s Square following recovery from pneumonia
Others are reading now
In moments of crisis, symbolic appearances often carry more weight than words. For the Roman Catholic Church, the health of its spiritual leader is always closely watched—both as a matter of faith and global interest. When a pope emerges after a long illness, it’s never just a routine event.
Return to St. Peter’s Square
Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since leaving the hospital two weeks ago, following treatment for double pneumonia. Arriving in St. Peter’s Square in a wheelchair and wearing nasal oxygen tubes, the 88-year-old pontiff was greeted with cheers from thousands of faithful.
“Buona domenica a tutti. Grazie mille,” the pope said—“Happy Sunday to everyone. Thank you very much”—as reported by Digi24.
The appearance came at the conclusion of a special Mass dedicated to the sick, underlining his commitment to those suffering from illness despite his own health challenges. The crowd responded with a thunderous chant: “Viva il Papa!”
A Difficult Recovery
Francis had not been seen in public since March 23, when he made a brief appearance before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. His stay there lasted over five weeks—the most serious health episode of his 12-year papacy.
Despite recurring health concerns in recent years, including mobility issues and previous surgeries, the Vatican has continued to emphasize Pope Francis’s resilience and ongoing commitment to his spiritual duties.
His return on Sunday appears to confirm that message, reinforcing both his physical recovery and his symbolic presence at the heart of the Church.
