Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday since being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14. The 88-year-old pontiff, appearing frail but in good spirits, greeted well-wishers from a hospital balcony.
Seated in a wheelchair, Francis waved gently to the crowd of hundreds gathered below, offering a thumbs-up sign. Speaking into a microphone, his voice weak but resolute, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you, everyone.”
His appearance reassured the faithful about his condition, following concerns over his health. The Vatican has yet to confirm when he will be discharged.
