Pope's encounter with yellow roses marks hospital exit
Pope Francis left a Roman clinic after more than a month of hospitalization. During his first public appearance, he noticed a woman with yellow flowers. Who was the mysterious person?
After spending over a month at Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Pope Francis has left the clinic and returned to the Santa Marta House in Vatican City. His health is stable, although doctors recommend further recuperation.
Pope Francis and the woman with flowers
During his first public appearance since February 14, the pope appeared at the clinic window to thank the gathered faithful. Among the crowd, he noticed an elderly woman holding a bouquet of yellow roses. He asked his staff to collect the flowers, which were later placed on the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica altar.
The woman who caught the pope's attention was 72-year-old Carmela Mancuso. In an interview with Italian media, she expressed her gratitude to God and the pope for being noticed.
- I didn't think to be so considered and seen by him – she said.
Pope Francis - health complications
During his hospitalization, Pope Francis struggled with bilateral pneumonia, which led to critical situations twice. According to Prof. Sergio Alfieri, the pope's doctor, his life was at risk. However, his health is currently stable.
When asked for a message to the pope, Carmela Mancuso wished him a swift recovery and a return to the faithful.
- We wish him a safe return home and a speedy recovery – she said in an interview with the media.
