Pope Francis

Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Square after recovering from a hospital stay, greeting pilgrims during the Jubilee Mass for the Sick and Health Care Workers with a heartfelt “Happy Sunday to all!”

Pope Francis, who has been in hospital for more than five weeks, has appeared in public for the first time, waving and giving thumbs up from the balconyof the Gemelli Hospital where he was being treated.

News of his discharge comes after the Vatican said this week that the Pope's condition appeared to be improving, adding that his pneumonia is considered under control.

Pope Francis, battling pneumonia, showed a slight improvement after being hospitalized. While still fragile, he rested well and some lab tests improved, though doctors caution recovery will take time.

Pope Francis, who has been hospitalised for over a week, remains in "critical" condition after developing an "asthmatic respiratory crisis" earlier on Saturday, CNN quoted the Vatican as saying in a statement.

Pope Francis, hospitalized for bronchitis, faces a complex clinical picture requiring further hospitalization. Tests revealed a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract, necessitating a change in treatment and raising concerns about the 86-year-old pontiff's health.

Pope Francis was hospitalised on Friday morning for tests and to continue the treatment of his ongoing bronchitis, the Vatican said in a statement.

Pope Francis has suffered a contusion on his right forearm following a fall at the Santa Marta residence, the Vatican confirmed on Tuesday.

Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Holy Year with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," marking the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. The event, which began on December 24, 2024, and will run until January 6, 2026, featured a ceremony with biblical readings and the symbolic opening of the door.

US President Joe Biden announced Monday that he is commuting the sentences of 37 individuals currently on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.