Rome – Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14th. The Pontiff greeted and thanked well-wishers from a balcony.
Brief Appearance, Words of Thanks
The 88-year-old Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia, appeared frail but smiled as he waved to the hundreds gathered below. “Thank you, everyone,” he said into a microphone, seated in a wheelchair. He occasionally gave a thumbs-up. Following his balcony appearance, he was discharged and left the hospital by car. Doctors have stated that Pope Francis’s health has improved enough for him to return home, but he still faces a recovery period of at least two months. He was seen wearing a cannula as he left.
