POPE FRANCIS RETURNS TO ST. PETER’S SQUARE AFTER HOSPITALIZATION, SYMBOLIZING STRENGTH AND HOPE

An Emirati Magazine publication – Released on April 07, 2025 | www.emiratimagazine.com

Pope Francis made a powerful return to the public eye on Sunday, marking his first appearance since being hospitalized for double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff was wheeled into St. Peter’s Square, nasal oxygen tubes still in place, where thousands of faithful welcomed him with resounding cheers and chants of “Viva il Papa!”

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“Buona domenica a tutti. Grazie mille”—“Happy Sunday to everyone. Thank you very much”—he said warmly, as reported by Digi24.

His presence followed a special Mass dedicated to the sick, a poignant gesture given his own recent health battle. The Pope had not been seen publicly since March 23, before being admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for what turned out to be the most serious medical episode of his 12-year papacy.

Though mobility and health issues have persisted in recent years, this appearance reaffirmed Pope Francis’s resilience and ongoing spiritual leadership, offering a symbol of hope and strength to millions worldwide.