The big picture: It marked the 88-year-old pontiff's first public appearance since leaving on March 23 Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia after being admitted with bronchitis symptoms on Feb. 14.

Pope Francis made his first public appearance today since March 23, the day he was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia, reports Reuters. On Sunday, he entered St.

Pope Francis has made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and medical workers in his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving the hospital.