365NEWS gathered that Pope Francis, on Thursday, made a rare public appearance, visiting inmates at Rome’s Regina Coeli prison during Holy Week.
The visit comes just weeks after his release from the hospital following a serious bout of double pneumonia.
The 88-year-old pontiff traveled a short distance from the Vatican to meet with about 70 inmates, according to the Vatican.
Francis had previously visited the same prison in 2018, celebrating the Holy Thursday “In Coena Domini” Mass and performing the traditional washing of feet to honor Jesus’ act at the Last Supper.
“Every year I like to do what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet, in a prison,” the Pope told the inmates. “This year I cannot do it but I wanted to be close to you. I pray for you and all your families.
The Vatican said Pope Francis met individually with each of the prisoners during the visit.
Francis has been largely absent from the public eye since being discharged in March from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he spent over five weeks being treated for bilateral pneumonia.
As he continues recovering, the pope has delegated his Easter responsibilities to senior cardinals.
On Wednesday, Francis also welcomed staff from the Gemelli hospital and Vatican medical team at the Vatican to thank them for their care.
“Thank you, and thank you for all you have done. Thank you for being so strong,” he said.
“When women are in charge, things work. Thank you, and thank you all. I pray for you and please do it for me.”
“Thank you. And thank you for your service in the hospital, it is very good. Thank you. Keep going like this.”
(ABC News)
