Vatican, April 7 (V7N) – Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance at the Vatican on Sunday, just two weeks after being discharged from the hospital following a serious case of pneumonia. The 88-year-old Pope had been receiving medical treatment for his condition but appeared in good spirits as he joined the faithful at the end of a special mass for the sick and healthcare workers.

The mass, which took place in St. Peter's Square, was part of the Jubilee Year celebrations, a period of special devotion in the Catholic Church. As the mass concluded, Pope Francis was wheeled through the square in a wheelchair, where he greeted the crowd. With a warm smile, he said, "A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much," to the gathered crowd, who greeted him with applause.

This was one of the first times Pope Francis had been seen in public since he left the hospital, signaling his ongoing recovery. His surprise appearance was both a joyful and emotional moment for many in attendance, particularly those who had been praying for his health during his time in the hospital.

The Pope’s recovery after his hospitalization has been closely followed by Catholics around the world, and his appearance in St. Peter’s Square reassured his supporters. The mass itself focused on honoring healthcare workers and those who care for the sick, making the Pope’s participation even more meaningful.

Pope Francis has been known for his dedication to helping the sick and vulnerable, and this public appearance highlights his strong commitment to continuing his work, even as he recovers. His health and recovery remain a point of concern for many, but Sunday's event brought comfort and hope to the Catholic community worldwide.

Local Vatican officials expressed their joy and relief at seeing Pope Francis so well after his health scare. While it is expected that the Pope will continue to take it easy as he fully recovers, his appearance was seen as a positive sign of his resilience and dedication to his duties as the leader of the Catholic Church.

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