Not yet fully recovered from bilateral pneumonia that hospitalized him for almost 40 days, Pope Francis surprised thousands of Catholic faithful when he made a surprise appearance at at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday (April 6) for the Jubilee of the Sick.

He offered a moving reflection , on illness, suffering, and compassion.

Arriving in a wheelchair and wearing nasal cannulas to assist with oxygen, the 88-year-old pontiff was greeted with enthusiastic applause by hundreds gathered for the celebration.

He was accompanied by a nurse and appeared visibly frail but alert.

While Archbishop Rino Fisichella delivered the homily on his behalf, Pope Francis remained present throughout the liturgy. His message drew on passages from the prophet Isaiah and the day’s Gospel, offering a deeply personal and theological perspective on the redemptive nature of suffering.

“The sickbed can become a ‘holy place’ of salvation and redemption—both for the sick and for those who care for them,” the pope said in his prepared remarks.

Referencing his own recent illness, Pope Francis expressed solidarity with those experiencing physical weakness and dependence.

“I have much in common with you… the experience of illness, of weakness, of having to depend on others… and of needing their support,” he said.

He described this period of vulnerability as a “school” for learning how to love and be loved—with humility, without bitterness or regret, and with gratitude for the care received.

The pope also highlighted the biblical theme of hope emerging from hardship, drawing a parallel between the Israelites’ exile in Isaiah’s writings and the Gospel account of the woman accused of adultery.

“God does not wait for our lives to be perfect before intervening,” he said. “Even in times of illness and weakness, He does not leave us alone.

Addressing health care workers, Pope Francis extended heartfelt thanks for their dedication, particularly to the most vulnerable. “In caring for your patients… the Lord constantly affords you an opportunity to renew your lives through gratitude, mercy, and hope,” he said.

He also acknowledged the challenges faced by medical professionals, including poor working conditions and instances of violence or mistreatment.

Quoting Pope Benedict XVI’s Spe Salvi, he reminded the faithful that “the true measure of humanity is determined in relation to suffering,” and warned against societies that marginalize the sick, elderly, or burdened.

“Let us not exclude from our lives those who are frail,” he urged, “as, sadly, a certain mentality does today.”

Following the Mass, Pope Francis offered brief Angelus remarks, reflecting on his personal recovery: “As during my hospitalization, even now in my convalescence, I feel the ‘finger of God’ and experience his caring touch.”