Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square on April 6, 2025, during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and health workers. This marked his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving the hospital after battling life-threatening pneumonia during a five-week stay.
The Pope was wheeled to the front of the altar unannounced, where he waved to the crowd, who responded with applause. His voice appeared stronger than when he addressed supporters outside of Gemelli hospital upon his release on March 23