Pope Francis made a surprise appearance at St Peter's Basilica to thank restorers Lorena Araujo Pineiro and Michela Malfanti for their work on Pope Urban VIII's tomb. Despite recovering from severe pneumonia, he visited without his traditional papal attire, demonstrating a relaxed demeanor. This visit was notable as it was his second public outing since being discharged from the hospital. The Vatican claimed his health is improving, though underlying motives for his visits may exist, especially among more conservative church factions who were displeased by his attire.
‘The man in the wheelchair was Pope Francis, who had come by to thank Pineiro and her colleague, Michela Malfanti, for their work.’
‘We hesitated to approach him as we thought he might have felt a little ashamed because he wasn't officially dressed, but he didn’t care.’
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