Pope Francis Marks Palm Sunday With Public Appearance Signaling Health Progress

The 88-year-old pontiff greeted over 20,000 faithful in St. Peter's Square, appearing without supplemental oxygen for the first time since his recovery from double pneumonia.

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, greeting the crowd from a wheelchair and wishing them a 'Good Palm Sunday, a good Holy Week.'
This marks the second public appearance by the pope since his discharge from a five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia on March 23.
For the first time since his illness, Francis appeared without the use of supplemental oxygen, a visible sign of his improving health.
Despite doctors' recommendations for a two-month rest, the pope has made several unscheduled outings, including meetings with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and visits to Roman basilicas.
During his Palm Sunday appearance, Francis thanked the faithful for their prayers, blessed a rosary, offered candy to a child, and prayed for global peace, highlighting conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, and other regions.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation