Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over six weeks on Sunday, emerging onto a hospital balcony in Rome to greet a crowd gathered below.
The 87-year-old pontiff, who had been undergoing treatment for respiratory issues, appeared frail but managed a thumbs-up gesture to acknowledge the hundreds of well-wishers assembled in the square.
Supporters cheered and waved flags as the pope was wheeled onto the second-floor balcony of the hospital. Noticing a woman holding yellow flowers, he offered a kind remark before sitting down and waving with both hands.
His voice, raspy and weak, reflected the toll of his illness, which doctors recently explained had caused significant damage to his lungs and respiratory muscles.
As the crowd broke into chants of “Francesco,” he responded with a blessing, making the sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside.
Shortly afterward, the pope left the hospital and made a brief stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he prayed before an icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he has a deep devotion. He then returned to the Vatican’s guesthouse, where he resides.
Among those in the crowd was Patricia Olivera, a teacher from Portugal, who expressed both concern and admiration for the pope’s resilience.
Acknowledging reports that Francis still requires two months for a full recovery, she emphasized the hope he brings to many during uncertain times.
Despite his fragile health, the pope’s appearance reassured many of his supporters, who view him as a guiding force in a world facing difficult challenges.
