Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at St. Peter's Square: 'Happy Sunday'
After being hospitalized for life-threatening double pneumonia, the 88-year-old pontiff thanked the faithful Sunday.
Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, greeting the Catholic faithful from a wheelchair two weeks after being released from the hospital where he battled a life-threatening illness.
The 88-year-old pontiff, with a small oxygen hose under his nose, waved to the crowds in Vatican City on a sunny morning.
"Happy Sunday to everyone," he said in a weak voice but with a broad smile on his face. "Thank you so much."
Francis, who was hospitalized for five weeks while battling double pneumonia, had thanked supporters for their prayers and well wishes when he was released on March 23. But he'd struggled to speak, and doctors revealed that his condition worsened to the point where they considered ending treatment.
Upon his release from the hospital, the pope was told to rest for at least two months, not to exert himself and to avoid meeting with crowds of people.
The pontiff has not been able to offer his customary noontime prayers at St. Peter's Square since Feb. 9. He was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 for bronchitis that eventually became double pneumonia. He also battled renal issues and an infection. The respiratory illnesses were particularly dangerous because the pope had to have part of one lung removed as a young adult because of a prior health crisis.
In a Vatican statement upon his release from the Rome hospital where he received treatment, Francis said: "In this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and health care workers, as well as in the devotion and hopes of the families of the sick."
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was elected as Pope in March 2013. He is the first pope from the Americas.
Contributing: Reuters