Pope Francis Returns to Public Eye After Hospitalisation

Vatican City: Pope Francis on Wednesday gave his first public audience since spending 38 days in hospital in Rome fighting life-threatening pneumonia. The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff, who has been convalescing after his stay at the Policlinico Gemelli, met for about 20 minutes with the managers and staff of the Foundation that administers Rome’s Cattolica University and hospital.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Pope expressed gratitude to about 70 people who assisted him during his days of hospitalisation. He met with them in the rooms behind the Paul VI Hall, taking the opportunity to thank them for their service. “Thank you for the service in the hospital, very good: keep it up!” said Pope Francis.

During the meeting, Pope Francis individually greeted those present, starting with the Rector of the university, Elena Beccalli. He remarked, “When women are in charge, things go well,” acknowledging the leadership and efforts of the staff who contributed to his recovery.