Recovering Pope Francis delights crowds at Vatican Square
Since his discharge from the hospital, Pope Francis has made several unplanned outings, despite his doctors advising him to rest.
Pope Francis brought joy to worshippers with an unexpected tour of St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, despite his doctors advising him to avoid crowds as he recovers from pneumonia.
For the second consecutive Sunday, following his longest hospital stay as Pope, the 88-year-old pontiff left his Vatican residence.
He distributed sweets to children and greeted visitors, making his way around the iconic Vatican landmark.
Seated in his wheelchair, the Pope appeared in good spirits and notably without the nasal cannula that had been aiding his breathing during his recovery.
Since his discharge from the hospital, Pope Francis has made several unplanned outings, despite his doctors advising him to rest.
These surprise visits have not been included in any official Vatican schedule.
On Thursday, he made an impromptu visit to St. Peter's Basilica to check on ongoing renovation work and pay a visit to the tomb of Pius X.
Then, on Saturday, he traveled to his beloved Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome for a time of prayer.
After his planned meeting with King Charles III was canceled due to his health issues, Pope Francis hosted the British monarch and Queen Camilla in a private audience on Wednesday.
The Holy See has yet to confirm how involved the Pope will be in next week's Easter celebrations, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar.
During his Sunday Angelus prayer, which was shared by the Vatican, the Pope expressed gratitude for the prayers offered on his behalf and renewed his usual appeal for global peace.