World
Pope appears before cheering crowds at Vatican for first time since hospital stay
The Pope has appeared before cheering crowds at the Vatican.
It was the pontiff’s first official public appearance since he was released from hospital a fortnight ago.
Pope Francis, 88, had spent five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli hospital as he was treated by doctors for a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia.
The Pope, in what was a previously unannounced move, entered St Peter’s Square in a wheelchair shortly before noon local time at the end of the celebration of a mass for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year.
The pontiff arrives at the end of a mass. Pic: AP
In front of the main altar for the service, Francis waved to applauding crowds, before briefly talking.
Speaking in a frail voice while receiving oxygen via a small hose under his nose, he said: “Happy Sunday to everyone. Thank you so much.”
A message prepared by the Pope and released by the Vatican said he felt the “caring touch” of God.
“On the day of the jubilee of the sick and the world of healthcare, I ask the Lord that this touch of his love may reach those who suffer and encourage those who care for them,” said the message.
“And I pray for doctors, nurses and health workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and are sometimes even victims of aggression.”
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Pope Francis is cheered by crowds on Sunday. Pic: AP
Francis had been out of public view since 23 March, when he had given a short greeting before being discharged from hospital.
The pontiff’s voice sounded stronger this time than when he addressed well-wishers outside Gemelli and struggled to speak.
Francis usually offers a weekly noon-time prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sundays.
But he has not been able to do this since 9 February, before going to hospital.
He was admitted to Gemelli on 14 February for a bout of bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia.
This is a particularly serious condition for him as he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed.