By Abiola Olawale
Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks today, addressing a crowd of supporters from a window at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling bilateral pneumonia since his hospitalization on February 14, waved to the faithful gathered below and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their prayers and support during his recovery.
In a brief but emotional address, Pope Francis thanked the medical staff at Gemelli Hospital for their “tender care” and acknowledged the global outpouring of support from Catholics and well-wishers worldwide.
“Your prayers have sustained me through this difficult time,” he said.
The pontiff’s appearance marked a significant moment after a serious health crisis that saw him confined to the hospital for more than five weeks.
Diagnosed with a severe respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia, Francis faced what Vatican officials described as the most challenging health ordeal of his 12-year papacy.
His doctors had confirmed that while the infection has been successfully treated, he will require ongoing medication and at least two months of rest upon his return to the Vatican.
