Pope has been with the faithful for the first time since returning to the Vatican

Pope Francis surprised pilgrims who occupied São Pedro Square this Sunday (6). The pontiff appeared to the Mass audience, blessed the gifts and greeting: “Good Sunday to all! Thank you very much!”

Mass was part of the jubilee of the sick and the world of health. According to the Vatican were present about 20,000 pilgrims among patients, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, health professionals and volunteers from over 90 countries.

Before appearing to the public for the first time since leaving the polyclinic Gemelli in Rome, after being 38 days hospitalized due to a picture of pneumonia, the Holy Father received the sacrament of reconciliation in the Basilica of St. Peter. The initial forecast was that the Pope would only be with the public at Easter, on April 20.

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Still recovering, Francisco left hospitalization two weeks ago and remains with the aid of oxygen and wheelchair. Its holiness remains treatments such as motor and respiratory physiotherapy.

The pontiff was effusively greeted as he crossed the way to the stage. In addition to reading the homily, prepared by Francisco, by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-mayor of the Dicker for evangelization, responsible for the mass, at the end, with the presence of the Pope, a message was read by a believer that he also organized: “His holiness Pope Francis welcomes all those who participated in this celebration and thanks from the bottom of his heart for God’s prayers for his health, wishing the jubilating pilgrimage to be rich with fruits. He grants them the apostolic blessing, extending it to the loved ones, the sick and the suffering, as well as all the faithful today gathered.”

Angelus

The traditional prayer of Angelus, which recalls the announcement of the Lord, made at noon on Sunday, was again published by the Vatican, while Francisco recovers. In the text, the Pontiff, once again, appeals to world peace and spoke about his recovery: “Dear, as well as during my hospitalization, also now, in my convalescence, I feel the” finger of God “and experience your careful caress.”

He also highlighted the day of the Jubilee of the sick and the world of health: “I ask the Lord that this touch of his love can reach those who suffer and encourage those who take care of them. And I pray for doctors, nurses and health professionals, that they are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and are sometimes even victims of aggression. Your mission is not easy and should be supported and respected. so that health systems are inclusive and attentive to the most fragile and the poorest. ”

About the appeal for peace, he said he continues to pray for peace in Ukraine, in every Middle East, Sudan and South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Myanmar, hit by an earthquake. In reference to Gaza, he indicated that “people are reduced to living in unimaginable, without shelter, without food, without drinking water” and asks that “weapons be silenced and dialogue be resumed; that all hostages are released and the population be rescued.”