ROME – Pope Francis made a surprise public appearance on April 6, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square, marking his first outing since leaving the hospital two weeks earlier. The pontiff, who has been recovering from a serious case of pneumonia, arrived in a wheelchair, wearing nasal cannulas for supplemental oxygen. Despite his fragile state, he greeted the gathered faithful with a warm, albeit breathless, "A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much!" His voice, though weak, was more audible than during his last public appearance on February 14, 2025.
The occasion was the Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers, a significant event that underscores the importance of care and compassion in the face of illness. The Mass was celebrated by Italian Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who is also the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and responsible for organizing the upcoming 2025 Jubilee of Hope.
Pope Francis had been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for treatment of a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia, spending a total of 38 days at the facility. His hospitalization included two brushes with death, and he was discharged on March 23. As he continues his recovery, he is observing a two-month period of rest, during which he is supposed to avoid crowds and unfamiliar meetings.
However, his appearance at the Jubilee seems to have been a mild violation of these doctor’s orders. Before joining the Jubilee, the pope spent time in prayer and received the sacrament in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he also passed through the basilica’s holy door. The Vatican confirmed that he was accompanied by his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, during his outing.
In a heartfelt address delivered during the Mass, Pope Francis reflected on the shared experience of illness, stating, "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." He emphasized that the sickbed can become a "holy place" of salvation and redemption, not only for the sick but for those who care for them.
The 88-year-old pontiff also connected his reflections to the Gospel reading of the day, which recounted the story of a woman caught in adultery. While the woman’s accusers were ready to cast stones, Jesus intervened, demonstrating compassion and mercy. "Illness is certainly one of the harshest and most difficult of life’s trials, when we experience in our own flesh our common human frailty. It can make us feel like the people in exile, or like the woman in the Gospel: deprived of hope for the future," he said.
In his Angelus address, which was distributed in written form due to his inability to read it aloud, Pope Francis expressed gratitude for healthcare workers, saying, "Dear doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, in caring for your patients, especially the most vulnerable among them, the Lord constantly affords you an opportunity to renew your lives through gratitude, mercy, and hope." He acknowledged the challenges faced by medical personnel, highlighting that they do not always work in adequate conditions and can even be victims of aggression.
The pope also urged society not to exclude those who are frail, saying, "Let us not banish suffering from our surroundings." He called for a collective effort to turn suffering into an opportunity for growth and hope, emphasizing the importance of compassion in the journey of holiness.
Moreover, Pope Francis took this opportunity to address pressing global issues, praying for peace in conflict zones around the world. He specifically mentioned Ukraine, where ongoing violence has resulted in many civilian casualties, including children. He also expressed concern for Gaza, where residents are living in dire conditions without shelter, food, or clean water. "Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again," he implored, while also calling for the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the conflict escalated in October 2023.
In his closing remarks, the pope reflected on the broader implications of suffering and illness, invoking the encyclical Spe Salvi of Pope Benedict XVI. He warned that "a society unable to accept its suffering members is a cruel and inhuman society," urging compassion and inclusivity for the vulnerable and marginalized.
As Pope Francis continues his recovery, the Vatican has not yet confirmed whether he will participate in the Holy Week ceremonies, stating that it is premature to discuss this matter. However, his appearance at the Jubilee of the Sick has provided hope and encouragement to many, signaling a positive step in his recovery journey.
His presence at the Jubilee served as a poignant reminder of the power of faith and community in overcoming adversity, as well as the vital role healthcare workers play in the lives of those they serve. As he reiterated during his address, even in moments of weakness, one can feel the "finger of God" guiding and supporting them through life’s trials.
