Pope Francis Makes Surprise Appearance in St. Peter’s Square, Two Weeks After Hospitalization

In an unexpected turn, Pope Francis made a public appearance this Sunday, April 6, at the Vatican, greeting the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the end of a Mass dedicated to the sick. It marked his first outing since being discharged from the hospital, where he had been treated for a double pneumonia that required five weeks of intensive care.

An Unannounced Appearance Met with Emotion

Weakened but smiling, the 88-year-old pontiff appeared in a wheelchair, still wearing nasal oxygen tubes. To the applause and emotional gazes of the faithful, he blessed the crowd and then approached a few individuals for brief personal greetings. “Happy Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” he said in a still-fragile voice, though noticeably stronger than during his earlier post-hospital remarks.

This surprise appearance, unannounced by the Vatican, comes as the pope continues a strictly supervised convalescence. Since his return to the Vatican on March 23, no public outings had been scheduled in order to avoid the risk of relapse. His presence this Sunday stirred strong emotion, especially with Easter celebrations—one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar—approaching on April 20.

The pope’s appearance also sends a strong message: despite his still-fragile health, Jorge Bergoglio remains determined to stay close to the faithful, true to his image as a devoted shepherd. The Vatican, meanwhile, continues to emphasize the need for rest and caution in the coming weeks.