The Plaza de San Pedro del Vaticano was filled this Sunday, March 23 with emotion and joy, When thousands of faithful gathered to witness the greeting of Pope Francis, Transmitted live from the Gemelli Hospital, shortly before receiving the discharge after 38 days admitted by a serious respiratory infection.
The 88 -year -old pontiff He reappeared briefly in a wheelchair in a hospital window Before returning to the Vatican, which unleashed a great ovation of those present in the square, who carried flags, rosaries and banners with messages of support.
Shouts of “Long live the Pope!” applause and tears mixed in the Plaza de San Pedro When Francisco’s image appeared on the giant screens installed for the faithful.
In a wheelchair and with a serene smile, Francisco He wanted to recognize the signs of affection with a voice still tired But with obvious gratitude: “Thank you all,” he said from the Gemelli.
The hospital discharge was celebrated as a miracle for many of those present. “It is something wonderful,” said excited Teresa Corral, from Mexico: “Today I had to pray for the sick at Mass and I feel that it is a worldwide joy for us, the servants, Be happy and be able to continue praying around the world. ”
For Patricia García, also Mexican, the atmosphere in the square was indescribable: “It feels an incredible vibrates, a harmony, A beautiful feeling. It is a miracle. ”
The emotion also reached the faithful who, although they could not be close to the hospital, followed the moment from San Pedro. Paola, a Mexican who works in Seville, was deeply moved: “See him leave, even for a few seconds, With that gesture of gratitude, it was a precious closeness detail. ”
A message of hope
The return of Pope Francis It occurs in a key year for the Catholic Church: The Jubileo de la Esperanza, the great religious celebration that this year will bring millions of pilgrims to Rome and will mark the first ordinary holy year of the Pontiff.
For many of those present, The Pope’s reappearance was a symbol of strength in a time when your message of hope resonates strongly.
“It is a blessing to be able to see the Pope with his joy of always. It is shocking to see that, Despite the disease, he is always with a smile truly sharing the message of the jubilee of hope, ” David said, a Colombian priest.
“Many pilgrims come this year to meet him, because we obviously hope May it improve soon and be ready to continue sharing with us that joy, But also with the confidence and tranquility that he is always giving his best, “he added.
Brother Alexis Ortiz, from Guadalajara, Mexico, accompanied a group of Spanish teenagers in the square and He highlighted the spiritual connection of the community.
“The Pope has asked us for prayers during his hospitalizationand this is our way of corresponding “, explained. “It is seen that you still have to recover, but what a beautiful sacrifice, although it cannot breathe so much, that I still wanted to dedicate a few words, go out to greet people.”
After the prayer of the angelus, Francisco left the hospital to go to the Santa Marta house, His residence in the Vatican, where he will continue with his recovery.
“I think it was evident that the Pope is having a bad time And that this has been a slow process, but we certainly want it to be as quickly as possible And that we can have it back soon and that with our prayers we accompany him, “Paula explained, another of those responsible for the group of Spaniards.