Pope Appears in Public for the First Time After Pneumonia Treatment in a Wheelchair
Expresses Gratitude to the Faithful at St. Peter's Square
Resumes External Activities Despite Recommendation for Two Months of Rest
Pope Francis appeared before the faithful on the 6th (local time), exactly two weeks after being discharged following treatment for pneumonia. That afternoon, the Pope made an unannounced appearance at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, where a special Mass was held to commemorate this year's Catholic Jubilee.
The Pope, seated in a wheelchair, had a breathing tube inserted in his nose. He waved his hand toward the large cross installed in the center of the square. The faithful stood up to see the Pope and applauded in unison. The Pope expressed his gratitude, saying, "I hope everyone has a good Sunday."
The Pope was hospitalized on February 14 at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, to receive treatment for pneumonia. He returned to the Vatican on the 23rd of last month, after 37 days. At the time of discharge, the hospital's surgical chief, Sergio Alfieri, recommended that the Pope take at least two months of rest and rehabilitation.
However, considering the Pope's spontaneous personality and his preference for communication with people, it was expected that his external activities would resume soon.
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