Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance After Health Scare, Greets Crowds in Wheelchair

Pope Francis Makes First Public Appearance After Health Scare, Greets Crowds in Wheelchair

Pope Francis has made his first public appearance since being hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia, which had put him "on the brink of death." The 88-year-old Pope was seen being wheeled through Saint Peter's Square in a wheelchair, just two weeks after leaving the hospital. He greeted the crowd following a Mass dedicated to the sick, expressing his gratitude with a simple, "A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much."

The Pope's last public appearance was on February 14, and since March 23, he had been recuperating at Rome's Gemelli Hospital after more than five weeks of treatment. His return to the square was a surprise to many, as it had not been announced. Despite being attached to nasal breathing tubes, Francis waved to the crowd, his voice fragile but clearer than when he left the hospita