Pope Francis makes surprise appearances amid recovery, easter participation still uncertain — Vatican
Pope Francis, who is currently recovering from life-threatening pneumonia, made three unscheduled public appearances this week, including a surprise visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican confirmed on Friday. While his health is said to be improving, officials stated it is still too early to confirm his participation in the upcoming Easter celebrations.
The 88-year-old pontiff appeared cheerful during his recent outing on Thursday, even though he remained in a wheelchair and wore a nasal cannula to assist his breathing. Dressed casually in black priest trousers, a long-sleeved top, and a striped poncho, Francis greeted restoration workers and tourists during his impromptu walk through the basilica.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained that the pope had requested to extend a morning walk so he could pray inside the church. “He was happy to go to the basilica and greet people,” Bruni said, adding that the outing was spontaneous and took even Vatican staff by surprise.
The visit to the basilica followed two other unplanned appearances a private audience with King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday, and a brief appearance in Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday after mass.
Despite these positive signs, Bruni cautioned against assuming Pope Francis will take part in Holy Week activities. “We are not making any particular forecasts for Holy Week,” he said. “It depends not only on the pope’s health but also on the weather.”
Francis, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics since 2013, returned to the Vatican on March 23 after spending five weeks at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
