Pope Francis Appears in Public for the First Time Since His Release from the Hospital Two Weeks Ago
Pope Francis made an unannounced appearance in St. Peter’s Square— his first since being hospitalized two weeks ago. But his frail condition left many online expressing deep concern over his health.
Pope Francis appeared in public for the first time in two weeks on Sunday, April 6, following his recent hospitalization.
The 88-year-old pontiff made an unscheduled appearance at the conclusion of Mass for the Jubilee of the Sick and the Healthcare World in St. Peter’s Square, offering a brief message of gratitude to the crowd.
A screenshot of a netizen’s comment from a post dated April 6, 2025. | Source: X/@Nuskaren
“Have a good Sunday, and thank you all very much!” he said to the pilgrims, who were not expecting to see him. The Vatican confirmed that prior to greeting the faithful, the Pope passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and received the sacrament of confession.
While many welcomed the appearance as a sign of resilience, others expressed concern about his visibly declining health.
A screenshot of a netizen’s comment from a post dated April 6, 2025. | Source: X/@LucasBryner3
Photos captured during the moment showed the Pope seated in a wheelchair, draped in his traditional white robes, with an oxygen tube beneath his nose and a large crucifix around his neck. His expression appeared weary, his movements slow.
Pope Francis, seen with an oxygen breathing apparatus, gesturing during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter’s square in The Vatican, on April 6, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
“He looks weak,” one person commented online, while another wrote, “Oh no, he’s in bad shape.” Others were more blunt, with one user observing, “This is heartbreaking…” and another pointing out in part, “Dude is sick, look at his eyes.”
This marked the Pope Francis’ first public sighting since his discharge from the hospital on March 23. Though brief, his appearance was a powerful gesture for many — offering reassurance amid growing speculation about his health.
