Pope makes first public appearance since hospitalization
Photo: Pope Francis (Getty Images)
Pope Francis made his first public appearance after being hospitalized. He had spent over five weeks in the hospital, Sky News informs.
The Pontiff left the hospital today, March 23, where he had been receiving treatment for severe pneumonia.
Faithful gathered near the hospital and in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City as Pope Francis left the medical facility. He greeted the crowd from the balcony of his hospital room.
The Pope was picked up by a convoy with police escort. It is expected that he will make a stop at St. Peter's Square.
Photo: Pope Francis makes his first public appearance after illness (Reuters)
Photo: Pope Francis makes his first public appearance after illness (Reuters)
Photo: Pope Francis makes his first public appearance after illness (Reuters)
Photo: Pope Francis makes his first public appearance after illness (Reuters)
The pontiff is still not well enough to deliver speeches. However, in today's prayer, published in writing by the Vatican, he stated that he "I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord" while in the hospital.
The Pope also mentioned Ukraine, calling for prayers "for an end to wars and for peace, especially in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo."
In his prayer, Pope Francis expressed his "sadness" by the resumption of heavy bombings of the Gaza Strip by Israel, " with so many dead and wounded". He called for an immediate ceasefire.
"On the other hand, I am pleased that Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed on the final text of the peace agreement. I hope that it may be signed as soon as possible, and may thus contribute to establishing lasting peace in the South Caucasus," wrote Francis.
Pope's illness
Recall that on February 14, it was reported that Pope Francis had been hospitalized due to illness. He was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The pontiff experienced four acute attacks, two of which were life-threatening.
Pope Francis spent more than five weeks in the hospital. During this time, he did not appear in public.
Recently, the Vatican announced that the Pope would need to relearn how to speak due to the prolonged use of oxygen therapy.
