Pope makes surprise appearance in wheelchair at Mass for sick
Pope Francis, who is recovering from a lengthy stay in hospital where he was treated for double pneumonia, provided a surprise to 20,000 worshippers on St Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday by turning up in a wheelchair at the end of a Mass for the sick.
"A beautiful Sunday to all. Thank you," Francis said in Italian in an audibly stressed voice. Images showed that his breathing was being assisted by a tube leading to his nose.
The Mass for the sick is part of the 2025 Jubilee year. It was led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella. A sermon from the pope was read out during the service.
"I have much in common with you at this time of my life, dear brothers and sisters who are sick: the experience of illness, of weakness, of having to depend on others in so many things, and of needing their support," the sermon read.
"This is not always easy, but it is a school in which we learn each day to love and to let ourselves be loved," it continued.
Francis, 88, was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago after a stay of 38 days, during which there were fears for his life.
The Vatican reported on Friday that his health was improving. A comment from a Vatican spokesman at the time led to speculation that the pope could make a public appearance at the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer.
The 2025 Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Doors at St Peter's Basilica on December 24, Christmas Eve. Jubilees are celebrated every 25 years, although special years are also marked in the intervening periods.
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