The Pope returned to the Vatican in his white Popemobile on Thursday after spending 10 days in hospital. The 84-year-old pontiff waved to the crowds that lined the road which led to the Vatican and was cheered by staff of the Gemelli Polyclinic under heavy security.
The procession was broadcasted live on television, showing the world that the Pope had recovered from his breathing crisis which had been caused by the flu.
Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the Papal spokesman, stated that the Pope had recovered completely and that his condition is improving.
He has returned at the beginning of the Lent period, when the Vatican officially closes. With no public ceremonies or events, the Pope will have a chance to rejuvenate and gain strength before Easter.
Due to the Pope’s illness, several events were cancelled, including services for Ash Wednesday, which he had never missed during his 28-year papacy. Though he is regaining strength, it is still not certain when he will resume his duties.
-
Why the Archbishop of Canterbury’s award controversy matters
-
More than one in four US Protestant churchgoers believe some biblical truths become outdated
-
Christian leaders issue ‘sober and urgent call’ for Western Church to prepare for disruption
-
Could the Church face a ‘silver uprising’?
-
Australia's anti-therapy laws harm the most vulnerable - Britain should not copy them
-
Songs of Praise celebrates 65 years with special anniversary episode - and finds a new generation online
Most Popular
News
500 million Christians worldwide face Bible access restrictions, report finds
At the same time, more than 125 million Christians want a Bible but do not have one, according to the 2026 Bible Access List.
Sukkot: humble hut or clouds of Divine glory?
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster explains the significance of Sukkot in Judaism.
KC warns Northern Ireland conversion therapy bill has a 'sting in the tail'
The proposed law could even criminalise attempts to suppress expressions of heterosexuality.
Disabled baby euthanized in the Netherlands
Doctors in the Netherlands euthanized a severely disabled one-year-old child, the first case reported by Dutch authorities under rules introduced in 2024 that allow ending the lives of seriously ill children between the ages of one and 12.
