Pope Francis makes first public appearance after hospital release

Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, euronews.com/tr reports. He took part in a special Jubilee Mass held in Vatican City.

The Pope was brought in a wheelchair to St. Peter’s Square, where he greeted the crowd and said: “Happy Sunday to everyone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

His voice sounded stronger than during his March 23 statement outside Gemelli Hospital, where he had undergone five weeks of treatment for life-threatening pneumonia.

In the Sunday Angelus prayer, written by the Pope and read aloud by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Francis said:
“I pray for doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who often work in difficult conditions and sometimes face aggression.”

“Their work is not easy; they deserve support and respect. I hope healthcare systems become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the poor and vulnerable.”

He also expressed gratitude to female inmates at Rebibbia prison who had sent him a get-well card: “I pray for them and their families,” the Pope added, while also calling for peace in Myanmar and Haiti.