Surprising the crowd at the Vatican Square, the Pope defies medical advice.

" Surrounded by a mass of smartphones and cameras, and attached to nasal breathing tubes, his voice was fragile but more audible than when he left the Gemelli hospital on March 23. The Argentine’s last public appearance was on February 14. After his life-threatening health scare, Francis is supposed to spend two months recuperating, doing nothing but resting, participating in public activities, and avoiding crowds. 

However, the Jesuit spent Sunday morning blessing the crowds gathered on the sunny square, a positive sign for his health two weeks before Easter, when Christians all over the world celebrate. However, his desire to interact with the flock goes against the advice of his doctors, who have advised him to avoid group interactions to reduce the likelihood of infection. The source continued, "He’s not yet well enough to deliver a message, but well enough to make a gesture... and show up.

" – May the doctors be praised –

 His doctors say that Francis almost died twice while he was in the hospital, which was the longest and most difficult period of his 12 years as the head of the Church. His physical state has sparked speculation the pontiff might hang up his papal crook after the example of his predecessor Benedict XVI, who quit in 2013 citing his declining mental and physical health. 

 The Vatican said in a Telegram statement that the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics received the sacrament a few minutes before his surprise appearance in St. Peter's Cathedral. Similar to previous weeks, Francis did not read the customary Angelus prayer aloud; instead, it was published in writing. The pontiff wrote, "I pray for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and are even sometimes attacked.

" “Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected.” His message went on to offer a prayer for an end to the world’s conflicts, mentioning in turn Ukraine, Sudan, neighboring South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, quake-hit Myanmar and Haiti. – Please pray for Gaza Francis likewise prayed for the Middle East and especially Gaza, where Israel last week again launched a ground offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas. 

 According to the pope, "people are forced to live in unimaginable conditions, without shelter, without food, and without drinkable water" in the Palestinian territory. He added, "Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again," urging Hamas to release the hostages it has held since its attack on October 7, 2023, which started the war. Francis, who had a portion of his lung removed when he was younger, has had a number of health issues recently. 

While being assisted his recovery by healthcare workers night and day at his Vatican residence, Francis has not seen any visitors beyond his closest colleagues since his release from the Gemelli Hospital. However, the Holy See claims that he has resumed his papal duties, particularly editing documents and signing them. He has, however, been forced to reduce his usual frenetic schedule, and the scale of his involvement in the religious events leading up to Easter — the holiest period in the Christian calendar — is so far unclear.