Pope Francis made his first public appearance since he was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital. And this is how the faithful welcomed him.
It was the Angelus prayer that every Sunday brings thousands of people to St. Peter's Square. And the Pope's first words were ones of thanksgiving.
POPE FRANCIS
I wish to express my gratitude to those who, during my hospitalization at Policlinico Gemelli, showed me affection, care and friendship, and assured me of prayerful support.
As the Vatican had announced, Pope Francis did not have any other event until the Angelus. The intention was to give him time to recover and resume activity little by little. In fact, there will be no General Audience on Wednesday.
The image the Pope showed when he left the hospital was positive. He made three stops before returning to Casa Santa Marta: he prayed at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, visited the nuns at the Institute of Maria Santissima Bambina and greeted soldiers and policemen on guard at one of the entrances to the Vatican.
Pope Francis looked to be in good form and remained standing for the entire time during the Angelus.
PA
TR: KG
