Vatican City — In an unusual sight that caught many off guard, Pope Francis was seen wearing black pants and a striped blanket instead of his traditional white papal robes during a spontaneous visit to St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who is recovering from a recent hospital stay for double pneumonia, was wheeled into the basilica wearing a nasal oxygen tube and wrapped in a cozy blanket. The visit was not on the official schedule, surprising both visitors and Vatican staff.
A Spontaneous Stroll Turns into a Heartfelt Moment
According to Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni, the Pope had been walking inside his residence and decided on a whim to extend the walk into the basilica to offer prayers.
“The pope was taking a walk yesterday morning, and he asked to prolong it by going to the basilica,” Bruni told reporters.
One visitor, Luiz Gil, who managed to capture the moment on video, said,
“We saw guards clearing the way, and suddenly, there was the pope! It was quick, but he even stopped to speak to a family with a baby.”
Health Update: On the Mend but Taking It Easy
Pope Francis had been hospitalized for 38 days before being discharged on March 23. He made his first public appearance post-hospitalization on April 6. Vatican officials noted that his voice and mobility are improving steadily.
“There are improvements that you have been able to notice with the outings in the past days,” Bruni said. “He was happy to go to the basilica and greet people.”
Though the Vatican has not confirmed whether he will attend upcoming Easter celebrations, this latest outing signals that the Pope is gradually returning to public life—one unorthodox outfit at a time.
