Pope Francis made a surprise outing of Casa Santa Marta, where he continues his convalescence and has gradually resumed certain meetings.
By Salvatore cernuzio
Just a week after the unexpected appearance of the Holy Father in a wheelchair in Saint-Pierre-where 20,000 faithful gathered for the Jubilee of the sick-the Francis post, Thursday, April 10, was again out of Casa Santa Marta and spent some time in the Saint-Pierre basilica.
Just as he did last Sunday, he stopped to pray to the tomb of Saint-Pie X, a pope with whom Pope Francis has always expressed a deep spiritual link.
Hundreds come together to greet the pope
Although the Pope’s visit was brief, the news of his presence in the basilica quickly spread and the faithful gathered to greet him. Among them, some restaurateurs working behind protective screens on a few projects currently undertaken by the Fabbrica Di San Pietro. They too were able to shake hands with the pope.
The children approached to receive his blessing, and whole groups of pilgrims visiting Rome for the jubilee collapsed to see him.
Blessings and silent gestures of affection
“The pope went through the prayer door, then went to the altar of the chair, and finally to the tomb of St Pie X to pray,” said Mgr. Valerio di Palma, a cannon of the Saint-Pierre basilica. The pope did not speak, he added, but his gestures transmitted a condition and a proximity to those who gathered around him. Some have even aligned themselves to have a chance to approach the bishop of Rome, whose public appearances were limited during his convalescence.
