Pope Francis rides in a wheelchair after a mass dedicated to the suffering and sick in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. The live broadcast was carried out by the portal Vatican News.
This is Francis' first and unexpected appearance before the faithful since he was discharged from the hospital on March 23, where he spent almost 40 days with a diagnosis of bilateral pneumonia. In a slightly louder voice, the pontiff greeted those gathered in the square. The liturgy was held as part of the jubilee year of Christianity, celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church.
The 88-year-old Francis was ordered to rest for two months, all events with his participation were canceled.
Earlier, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reported that after his illness, the pontiff works with documents, signs documents, approves decisions and appointments, and his condition continues to gradually improve. The pope is expected to delegate the Easter rituals.
As reported by the press service of the Holy See, Francis is gradually recovering his voice. He could hardly speak because of oxygen therapy, which dried out his vocal cords. The pontiff continues respiratory and motor physiotherapy.