At a rare public appearance yesterday, Sunday April 6th, Pope Francis wished the faithful a “good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” following a mass dedicated to the sick.
Following his life-threatening pneumonia health scare, doctors ordered no contact with crowds. Unlike his last outing on March 23rd, observers noted a stronger voice as the Pope blessed the masses gathered on the square.
It’s an encouraging signal for his health, two weeks before Christians the world over celebrate Easter.
As in previous weeks, Francis did not read out the customary Angelus prayer, which was published in written form instead. Francis also likewise prayed for the Middle East and especially Gaza.
“Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again,” he added, calling for the freeing of the hostages held by Hamas since its October 7th, 2023 attack that began the war. This is likely to lead to further criticism of the Pontiff’s politics, which include an apparent commitment to open borders.
TEC News/Agence France-Presse
