Pope Francis Appears in Public for the First Time After Long Illness

Pope Francis Appears in Public for the First Time After Long Illness

Vatican City, April 14 – After being discharged from the hospital where he was treated for double pneumonia, Pope Francis made his second public appearance, addressing thousands of faithful at St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday.

The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, seated in a wheelchair and without any nasal oxygen tubes, greeted the crowd of nearly 20,000 people with the words, “Happy Palm Sunday, happy Holy Week.” His presence served as a strong sign of recovery and brought joy to his followers.

Pope Francis said,

“In this time of physical weakness, your prayers help me feel God’s closeness, compassion, and tenderness even more.”
He called on everyone to bear the “cross of those who suffer around us,” capturing the deeper meaning of Holy Week.

Prayers for a Troubled World

On this occasion, the Pope offered prayers for peace in war-affected countries around the world. He specifically mentioned Sudan — where the civil war marks its second anniversary on Tuesday — as well as Ukraine, the Middle East, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, South Sudan, and Lebanon, which began its civil war 50 years ago.

Royal Meeting and Basilica Visit

This was the Pope’s second appearance in St. Peter’s Square since his release from the hospital. He surprised the faithful with a sudden appearance last Sunday as well. During the week, he also had a private meeting with Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla and made an impromptu visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital after five weeks of treatment. Doctors have advised him to rest at the Vatican for the next two months. However, his recent public appearances suggest he is gradually recovering and reconnecting with the public as before.