Pope Francis has made his first public appearance since recovering from a serious illness, attending a special Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The 87-year-old Pontiff, who had been hospitalized for 38 days with bilateral pneumonia, addressed the faithful from a wheelchair, expressing gratitude for the prayers and support he received during his recovery.
In his message, the Pope offered particular praise for medical professionals, acknowledging the difficult conditions under which they often work. “I pray for doctors and nurses, who frequently face aggression and tough working environments,” Francis said.
He urged greater investment in public healthcare systems to ensure that care is accessible to the poor and vulnerable around the world.
Pope Francis also thanked inmates at the Rebibbia women’s prison in Rome for the get-well cards they sent during his hospitalization. In his prayer, he called on the faithful to continue praying for peace in conflict-affected regions and emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid to crisis-hit countries like Myanmar and Haiti.
