Pope Francis greeted by well-wisher after hospital stay
Pope Francis left a Roman clinic after more than a month in hospital. During his first public appearance, he noticed a woman with yellow flowers. Who was this mysterious person?
After over a month at Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, Pope Francis departed the clinic and returned to the Santa Marta House in Vatican City. His health is stable, although doctors advise further recuperation.
Pope Francis and the woman with flowers
During his first public appearance since 14 February, the pope appeared at the clinic window and thanked the gathered faithful. Among the crowd, he noticed an elderly woman holding a bouquet of yellow roses. He requested that his staff 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 the Italian media, she thanked 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 hospital stay, Pope Francis faced bilateral pneumonia, which led to critical situations on two occasions. According to Prof. Sergio Alfieri, the pope's doctor, his life was at risk. However, the Pope's 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.
