This Saturday, 12, on the eve of Ramos Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maior in Rome to pray before the sacred image of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. This is one of the Pope’s few appearances after recovering from bilateral pneumonia.
The 88 -year -old has spent more than five weeks at Gemelli Hospital in Rome for treatment. Despite the discharge, he remains weakened by the disease and drastically reduced his activities. The doctors said that Francisco should remain at rest for two months for his recovery.
The first public appearance took place at the Mass of the Sick Jubilee, in São Pedro Square, at the Vatican, where, from his wheelchair, greeted the faithful.
Contrary to the medical recommendations, he was visited by King Charles III and Queen Camilla last Wednesday, 9. A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said “his majesties were delighted by the Pope being well enough to receive them and to express their best vote personally.”
According to the Vatican, the state of health of the pontiff is stable. Francisco continues to recover at his residence at Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican. So far, however, the Holy See states that it is still early to speculate about the Pope’s participation in Holy Week ceremonies.
