Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance Since Severe Illness

The 88-year-old pontiff addressed 20,000 attendees in St. Peter's Square during a mass dedicated to the sick, marking a significant step in his recovery.

Pope Francis appeared in a wheelchair on St. Peter's Square on April 6, his first public appearance since recovering from severe bilateral pneumonia.
The mass, part of the Holy Year 2025, was dedicated to the sick and medical personnel, reflecting the Pope's ongoing spiritual commitment despite his frailty.
Addressing the crowd with a strained voice, Pope Francis expressed gratitude and wished attendees a good Sunday, though he did not deliver the sermon himself.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella celebrated the mass and assisted the Pope in giving the final blessing to the congregation.
This appearance comes two weeks after the Pope's return to the Vatican following a 38-day hospitalization in Rome's Gemelli Clinic.

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung