Sun Apr 06 11:21:04 UTC 2025: ## Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance Since Hospital Discharge
**Vatican City, April 6, 2025** – Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, greeting crowds in St. Peter’s Square in a wheelchair. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been hospitalized for over five weeks with double pneumonia, appeared at the end of a Mass celebrating the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year for the sick and healthcare workers.
While his voice remained frail and he used oxygen, the Pope appeared in good spirits, waving to the crowd and offering a brief greeting. His appearance marked a significant milestone in his recovery from a serious health crisis, his most severe during his 12-year papacy. Doctors had previously revealed that his condition had been so critical that they considered ending treatment to allow him to die peacefully.
The Pope’s last public appearance before Sunday was on March 23rd, when he briefly greeted well-wishers upon leaving the Gemelli hospital in Rome. He had been admitted on February 14th for bronchitis, which developed into double pneumonia. His health issues are further complicated by a history of pleurisy and the removal of part of a lung in his youth.
In a written message released following the Mass, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for the support received during his hospitalization, stating that he felt God’s closeness throughout his ordeal. He also prayed for those suffering and their caregivers. The unexpected appearance concluded a special Mass honoring healthcare workers and those dealing with illness.
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