Pope Francis made his first public appearance in weeks on Sunday, greeting the crowd from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. This marks his first public presence since a brief address upon being discharged from the hospital on March 23, after suffering from double pneumonia. The pope, receiving oxygen through his nose, briefly greeted the crowd, expressing gratitude. His attendance came at the conclusion of a Mass dedicated to healthcare workers, for whom he offered a prayer for support and healing. The Vatican also released a written message from the Pope for the occasion.

During his hospitalization at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, medical staff considered stopping treatment due to concerns over his condition, particularly after a severe coughing fit led to the inhalation of vomit. Despite these challenges, a decision was made to continue treatment. According to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who oversaw Francis’s care, the hospital staff and the Pope’s personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, were deeply invested in the Pope’s recovery, driven by the Pope’s own wishes to “try everything” in the face of adversity.

The Pope’s health update and his return to public life underscore a moment of resilience, support, and hope for both the Pope and his followers.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/pope-appears-angelus-prayers-first-time-weeks