Apr 6, 2025 - Health

Pope Francis makes 1st public appearance since leaving hospital

Rebecca Falconer

Pope Francis, seen wearing an oxygen breathing apparatus, gestures during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter's square in The Vatican, on April 6, 2025. — Pope Francis, seen wearing an oxygen breathing apparatus, gestures during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and health care workers in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, on Sunday. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

Pope Francis surprised a St. Peter's Square, Vatican, congregation by appearing in a wheelchair toward the end of a mass for the sick and health care workers.

The big picture: It marked the 88-year-old pontiff's first public appearance since leaving on March 23 Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia after being admitted with bronchitis symptoms on Feb. 14.

Ahead of Easter Sunday on April 20, the holiest days of the Catholic Church's year, doctors prescribed the pope with two months of rest and recovery.

Details: Francis had no scheduled appearances on Sunday, according to the Vatican.

After the final blessing, the pope said to the cheering crowd: "Have a good Sunday, and thank you all very much."

Go deeper... Pope Francis is back home: Here's what his recovery will entail

Add Axios on Google

Pope Francis makes 1st public appearance since leaving hospital

What to read next