Pope Francis to Make First Public Appearance in Five Weeks Amid Health Recovery

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Pope Francis is set to make his first public appearance in over a month this Sunday as he continues his recovery from double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since mid-February, will offer a blessing and greeting to well-wishers at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer, according to the Vatican press office.

The pope’s hospitalization, now in its 38th day, marks his longest stay at Gemelli Hospital since he assumed the papacy 12 years ago. Over the past five Sundays, he has been absent from his usual weekly Angelus prayer, with the Vatican instead releasing written versions of his reflections.

Despite his prolonged absence from public life, Pope Francis has remained engaged in church affairs. Last week, he approved a new three-year reform process aimed at increasing the roles of women in the Catholic Church and expanding the participation of non-clergy members in governance. The Vatican also released an audio message and a photograph of the pope praying in the hospital’s chapel, reassuring the faithful of his ongoing involvement.

While recent updates indicate that his condition is improving, with the pneumonia under control and no further need for assisted breathing, the Vatican has not provided a timeline for his discharge. It remains unclear whether Pope Francis will be able to preside over Holy Week and Easter celebrations.

His upcoming appearance on Sunday will be closely watched as the world awaits further updates on his health and his ability to resume his pastoral duties.