The faithful assembled in Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Mass celebrating the Jubilee were pleasantly surprised by the unannounced appearance by an ailing Pope Francis, in his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago.
Still weak after his grueling five-week treatment for double pneumonia, Francis entered the Square in a wheelchair to greet the cheering crowd.
Francis hadn’t been seen in public since a short greeting before leaving Rome’s Gemelli hospital on March 23, following the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
Reuters reported:
“The pope, in a previously unannounced move, came out to the square shortly before noon at the end of the celebration of a Mass for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year.
Coming in front of the main altar for the service in bright sunshine, Francis waved to the crowds, before speaking briefly.
‘Happy Sunday to everyone’, the pope said, speaking in a rail voice while receiving oxygen via a small hose under his nose. ‘Thank you so much’.”
To the joy of everyone in St. Peter’s Square, this morning Pope Francis made a surprise appearance for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers. Visibly frail, connected to an oxygen tank, with his voice still very weak, he wished everyone a good Sunday. pic.twitter.com/ZlRo00Bp2L
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) April 6, 2025
Today’s mass may have held a particular meaning for Francis as it was a special Jubilee celebration in honor of the sick and the healthcare workers.
“In a written message released by the Vatican shortly after noon, Francis said he had felt God’s closeness during his time in hospital.
‘I ask the Lord that this touch of his love might reach all those who suffer and encourage those who are taking care of them’, said the text.”
I have much in common with you at this time of my life, dear brothers and sisters who are sick: the experience of illness, of weakness, of having to depend on others for so many things, and of needing their support. #Jubilee
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 6, 2025
The hospital room and the sickbed can also be places where we hear the voice of the Lord speak to us: “Behold, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19). In this way, we renew and strengthen our faith. #Jubilee
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 6, 2025
With Easter Sunday just two weeks away, it’s unclear how (or if) the pope will participate in public ceremonies, as doctors have prescribed Francis with a two-month period of rest at his Vatican residence.
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