The big picture: It marked the 88-year-old pontiff's first public appearance since leaving on March 23 Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he was treated for double pneumonia after being admitted with bronchitis symptoms on Feb. 14.

Pope Francis has made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and medical workers in his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving the hospital.

Pope Francis made his first public appearance today since March 23, the day he was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for bilateral pneumonia, reports Reuters. On Sunday, he entered St.

King Charles and Queen Camilla paid a surprise visit to Pope Francis as he recuperates at the Vatican on Wednesday during a state visit to Italy that coincided with the British royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary.

Pope Francis had a previously unannounced meeting at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon with Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla, during their state visit to Italy, Buckingham Palace and the Vatican announced.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have had a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican where he wished them a happy 20th wedding anniversary. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen said they were "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them - and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person".