Pope Francis makes surprise first public appearance after hospital stay
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Pope Francis has surprised and delighted crowds as he made a surprise first public appearance after being hospitalised last month.
The Pontiff entered St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in a wheelchair on Sunday afternoon, to cheers from awaiting crowds.
Speaking at a mass for the sick and in honour of healthcare workers, he briefly wished those gathered a "good Sunday."
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Good Sunday to everyone,” the pope told the crowd.
“Thank you very much.”
He appeared in a wheelchair, and was receiving oxygen via a small nasal tube.
Pope Francis has been away from public duties since he was hospitalised in February, when he received treatment for double pneumonia during his hospital stay.
He was hospitalised for five weeks, and last gave an address when he left hospital on March 23rd, giving a short greeting as he departed Rome's Gemelli hospital.
He blessed assembled crowds from his window.
"Thank you, thank you - I see this lady with yellow flowers, very good, thank you," he said.
The Pope has been unable to offer his weekly noon-time prayer in St. Peter's Square on Sundays since early February, when he initially became unwell.
He was admitted to hospital on February 14th.