Pope Francis makes first public appearance in weeks
Pope Francis made his first public appearance in weeks on Sunday, greeting crowds from a wheelchair in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. This marked his first public appearance since briefly addressing crowds upon being discharged from the hospital on March 23. The pontiff had been hospitalized for five weeks due to a bout of double pneumonia.
Making an unannounced visit near the end of Mass, Pope Francis delivered a brief greeting while receiving oxygen via his nose. “Good Sunday to everyone,” he said. “Thank you so much.”
The Vatican also released a written message from Pope Francis, focusing on healthcare workers during Sunday’s Mass. The message asked for the Lord’s love to reach all those who are suffering and to encourage those caring for them.
During his stay at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, doctors overseeing Pope Francis’ care revealed that they had briefly considered ending his treatment due to his deteriorating condition. Medical director Dr. Sergio Alfieri recounted a moment on February 28 when the 88-year-old pontiff suffered a coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring staff to clear his airways and provide non-invasive mechanical ventilation to help him breathe.
“We had to choose whether to stop and let him go or try with all the drugs and therapies possible, despite the very high risk of damaging other organs,” Alfieri shared with the Corriere della Sera newspaper. Ultimately, they decided to continue treatment, despite the risks.
Pope Francis delegated healthcare decisions to his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, who knew the pontiff’s wishes perfectly. Strappetti encouraged the medical staff to “try everything” and not give up, a sentiment that resonated throughout the hospital.
The appearance of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square was a moment of hope and gratitude for many, as he continues to recover from his recent health scare. The pontiff’s resilience and the dedication of his medical team serve as a testament to the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
