Pope Francis, recovering from a recent health scare, addressed thousands gathered in St Peter's Square, expressing gratitude and optimism.
Pope Francis Waves to Supporters in St Peter's Square After Hospital Discharge
Pope Francis Waves to Supporters in St Peter's Square After Hospital Discharge
The Pontiff makes his first public appearance since treatment for pneumonia.
In a heartwarming scene, Pope Francis made his first public appearance today at St Peter's Square in the Vatican, following a five-week hospital stay for treatment of double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, seated in a wheelchair and wearing a breathing tube, greeted the crowd with a warm "Hello to everybody!" before extending his heartfelt wishes for a "Happy Sunday" to the cheering assembly.
The Pope, who had been discharged from a Rome hospital on March 23, had taken time to recuperate after his hospitalization beginning February 14 due to a severe infection. At the time of his discharge, Vatican officials indicated that he would require a minimum of two months of rest at his residence to facilitate his recovery.
On Friday, Vatican spokespersons reported that Pope Francis’s health was improving, as he remained in "good spirits" while resuming some of his daily duties. Two critical moments during his hospital treatment underscored the seriousness of his condition, with doctors noting that the Pope's life was once in jeopardy due to complications from his illness.
Recent updates on the Pope’s health indicated slight progress in his breathing and overall condition, with examinations revealing improvements in his lung infection. While he is now using less supplemental oxygen, he continues to receive it during daylight hours, requiring higher flows at night as needed.
Having overcome several health challenges in his lifetime, including undergoing lung surgery at the age of 21, Pope Francis has remained resilient. Hailing from Argentina, the pontiff has been leading the Catholic Church for the past 12 years, captivating followers and the public alike with his compassionate messages and commitment to faith and service.
The Pope, who had been discharged from a Rome hospital on March 23, had taken time to recuperate after his hospitalization beginning February 14 due to a severe infection. At the time of his discharge, Vatican officials indicated that he would require a minimum of two months of rest at his residence to facilitate his recovery.
On Friday, Vatican spokespersons reported that Pope Francis’s health was improving, as he remained in "good spirits" while resuming some of his daily duties. Two critical moments during his hospital treatment underscored the seriousness of his condition, with doctors noting that the Pope's life was once in jeopardy due to complications from his illness.
Recent updates on the Pope’s health indicated slight progress in his breathing and overall condition, with examinations revealing improvements in his lung infection. While he is now using less supplemental oxygen, he continues to receive it during daylight hours, requiring higher flows at night as needed.
Having overcome several health challenges in his lifetime, including undergoing lung surgery at the age of 21, Pope Francis has remained resilient. Hailing from Argentina, the pontiff has been leading the Catholic Church for the past 12 years, captivating followers and the public alike with his compassionate messages and commitment to faith and service.
