In PICS: Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at the Vatican

Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on Sunday as he met with crowds at the Vatican just two weeks after leaving hospital.

The pontiff has been recovering from a serious case of pneumonia after being hospitalized on February 14 as he was suffering with acute respiratory insufficiency.

"A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much", the 88-year old Pope said as he was wheeled through Saint Peter's Square in his wheelchair after a mass dedicated to the sick. 

Surrounded by numerous smartphones and cameras, and attached to nasal breathing tubes, his voice was fragile but more audible than when he left the Gemelli hospital on 23 March.

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Pope Francis appears in St Peter's Square at the end of the Jubilee of the Sick and the Healthcare World.

As Mass came to an end, the Pope made an unscheduled appearance, telling the assembled pilgrims "Have a good Sunday, and thank you all very much!" pic.twitter.com/fDaAzesC3S

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 6, 2025 >

Longest period in hospital during Francis' papacy

The Pope, 88, was hospitalized for more than five weeks of treatment in the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

An initial bout of bronchitis developed into double pneumonia, an especially serious condition for him as he had pleurisy as a young adult and had part of one lung removed. 

Last month the head of his medical team Francis came so close to death at one point during his 38-day stay in hospital that his doctors considered ending treatment so he could die in peace.

Mass in honor of healthcare workers

In a previously unannounced move the Pope came out to the square shortly before noon (11:00 BST) at the end of the

celebration of a Mass for the Catholic Church's Jubilee year.

Francis offers a weekly noon-time prayer in St. Peter's Square on a Sunday but he had not done so since February 9, before going to hospital.

Sunday's Mass was part of a special celebration in honour of healthcare workers and those who are sick.

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.