Pope’s Surprise Appearance Sparks Holy Week Hopes

Vatican City: Pope Francis’s surprise appearance on Sunday at a Mass in St Peter’s Square for the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers has sparked hopes that he might be able to take part in some of the rites for the upcoming Holy Week. It was the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff’s first public appearance since he left Rome’s Gemelli hospital on March 23 after 38 days of treatment for bilateral pneumonia there.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis would need two months of convalescence after his hospital discharge. During the Mass, the pope conveyed a brief message, saying, “Have a good Sunday. Thank you all!!” His voice, while still weak, showed improvement compared to when he left the hospital.

Pope Francis was seen being pushed through the square in a wheelchair, wearing nasal cannulas for oxygen support. The appearance of the pope at the Mass has raised hopes among the faithful and clergy that he might participate in some form during the upcoming Holy Week celebrations.