Pope Francis has made a surprise public appearance at St Peter's Square just hours before King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to arrive in Italy.
The 88-year-old pontiff briefly appeared on stage in a wheelchair today, with a breathing tube under his nose, in what was his first official public appearance since being discharged from hospital two weeks ago.
"Hello to everybody," he said, waving to cheering crowds. "Happy Sunday to all of you, thank you very much."
The Pope had been out of public view since March 23, when he gave a short greeting before leaving Rome's Gemelli hospital after five weeks of treatment.
Pope Francis has made a surprise public appearance at St Peter's Square just hours before King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to arrive in Italy, despite having cancelled his scheduled meeting with the monarch
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King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to undertake their first state visit of 2025 when they travel to Italy in the next 24 hours.
The visit will include several formal engagements across Italy, demonstrating the King's improving health and ability to resume royal responsibilities.
The trip, where the royal couple will also celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9, highlights the continuing diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and Italy.
The planned audience with Pope Francis during the royal visit has been cancelled, with Buckingham Palace confirmed the change, stating medical advice indicated the Pope would "benefit from an extended period of rest and recuperation".
King Charles met with Pope Francis during the canonisation of Cardinal Newman held by the Pope at St. Peter's Square on October 13, 2019 in Vatican City
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The Palace added: "Their Majesties send The Pope their best wishes for his convalescence and look forward to visiting him in The Holy See, once he has recovered."
The Pope was admitted to hospital on February 14 for an infection that resulted in double pneumonia.
One of his doctors said he had two critical episodes during his treatment where his "life was in danger".
This is a particularly serious condition for Francis as he had part of one lung removed at age 21, making him more prone to infections
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As of Friday, the Vatican said the Pope had improved slightly in breathing, movement and speaking.
Despite recent blood tests showing a slight improvement in his lung infection, the Pope continues to receive supplemental oxygen during the day, while at night he requires a high-flow of oxygen through his nose as needed.
Doctors had said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence following his discharge.
The Pope's appearance in St Peter's Square was previously unannounced, as he entered in his wheelchair shortly before noon local time at the end of a mass for the Catholic Church's Jubilee year.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's planned audience with Pope Francis during the royal visit has been cancelled
GettySpeaking in a frail voice, the pontiff's message released by the Vatican said he felt the "caring touch" of God.
"On the day of the jubilee of the sick and the world of healthcare, I ask the Lord that this touch of his love may reach those who suffer," the message said.
The Vatican stated on Friday that the Pope was "in good spirits" as he continued his work activities.
Pope Francis, who is from Argentina, has been Pope for 12 years.
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