He is currently recovering from his bout with bilateral pneumonia.
On Sunday, April 6, Pope Francis made his surprise public appearance before the Mass for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers, which took place at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, ended.
After blessing the pilgrims that attended the service, the 88-year-old Holy Father imparted a short message for them, saying “Have a good Sunday. Thank you all!”
Notably, he was seated on a wheelchair and wore nasal cannulas to assist in his breathing, which had been affected by his bout with a respiratory illness in February.
According to the Vatican Media, immediately after his unscheduled first appearance since he was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital in Rome last March 23, Pope Francis returned to his residence at Casa Sta. Marta inside the Vatican.
This also comes two days after the previous bulletin of the Holy See Press Office, which said that his health is “improving slightly,” and that the Pope remains in good spirits.
Pope Francis was brought to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 following an “acute respiratory insufficiency” caused by a polymicrobial infection, which led to a bilateral pneumonia.