Surprise Visit by Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica

Further improvements in Pope Francis's health have been noted, as the Vatican announced on Friday. He now manages for long periods without additional oxygen support.

"The Pope continues his convalescence. Improvements have occurred, both in terms of motor and respiratory physiotherapy. The Pope can manage for a long time without oxygen. During the meeting with (the British) King Charles on Wednesday, he did not use the nasal cannula," the Holy See's press office stated.

Cardinal Sandri Celebrates Palm Sunday Mass

The Pope's role in the Easter celebrations is still unclear. The Palm Sunday Mass will be celebrated by Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. Whether Francis will participate is still open.

The Pope has resumed his conversations with his staff and met with some members of the Curia, including the Vatican's Foreign Minister Paul Richard Gallagher, the press office further announced. The meetings took place in the Pope's apartment on the second floor of the Santa Marta guesthouse in the Vatican.

Pope Francis Visited St. Peter's Basilica Unexpectedly

The improvement in the Pope's condition was also evident from the visit to St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday, it was said. "The Pope was pleased to meet people in the Basilica. He expressly wished to pray in St. Peter's Basilica," it was stated.

The unannounced visit of Pope Francis to St. Peter's Basilica caused a stir on Thursday afternoon. In cell phone videos that quickly spread on social networks, Francis was seen in a wheelchair, not in the white papal cassock, but with dark pants, a white long-sleeved undershirt, and covered with a striped blanket. The Pope also did not wear his white cap. This was the first time since his election that Francis appeared without his official attire, which caused surprise.

Churchgoers Blessed

Francis was wheeled to the altar and finally to the tomb of Saint Pope Pius X. He was accompanied by his personal nurse Massimiliano Strappetti. Many present reacted surprised and moved by Francis' presence. Pilgrim groups, children, restorers, and visitors respectfully flocked to the Pope to see him, greet him, or receive his blessing. Some even queued to shake his hand or catch a smile.

Francis blessed several children, greeted restorers who were working on a project, and gave a smile to those present. Due to his weakened health condition, he again wore a nasal cannula for oxygen supply. "The emotions were so great that I couldn't see through my tears and couldn't even take a photo," said Valerio Di Palma, canon of St. Peter's, to the Vatican media.

Several Unannounced Public Appearances

For the third time in a week, Francis surprised with an unannounced public appearance: On April 6, he appeared in a wheelchair in St. Peter's Square and blessed pilgrims. On Wednesday, he received the British royal couple Charles III and Camilla for a private meeting - although the appointment had previously been canceled for health reasons.

(APA/Red)

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