Rome, 6 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) – Pope Francis, who is recovering from a lengthy stay in hospital where he was treated for double pneumonia caused by an undisclosed pathogen, provided a surprise to 20,000 worshippers on St Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday by turning up in a wheelchair at the end of a Mass for the sick.

"A beautiful Sunday to all. Thank you," Francis said in Italian in an audibly stressed voice.

The Mass for the sick was part of the 2025 Jubilee year.

The Mass was led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella. A sermon from the pope was read out during the service.

Fisichella is pro-prefect for the Dicastery of Evangelization, a ministry within the Vatican that seeks to spread the Roman Catholic Church's influence in the world.

Francis was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital two weeks ago after a stay of 38 days, during which there were fears for his life.

The Vatican reported on Friday that his health was improving. A comment from a Vatican spokesman at the time led to speculation that the pope could make a public appearance at the traditional Sunday Angelus prayer.

The 2025 Jubilee began with the opening of the Holy Doors at St Peter's Basilica on Dec. 24, Christmas Eve. Jubilees are celebrated every 25 years, although special years are also marked in the intervening periods.