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Pope Francis’ Unconventional Attire During St. Peter’s Basilica Visit Sparks Fascination
In a move befitting a pontiff recognized for his spontaneous actions, Pope Francis’ recent brief visit to St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday has attracted significant attention, primarily due to his unexpected attire. The appearance of the 88-year-old Pope in civilian clothing, a departure from his traditional papal robes, quickly became a subject of widespread discussion and media coverage in Rome and beyond.
Unprecedented Public Appearance
The Rome daily newspaper Il Messaggero captured the moment on its front page, featuring a photograph captioned: “Pope with a poncho, revolution in a photo.” The image depicted Francis in a long-sleeved white T-shirt and dark trousers, with a striped garment draped across his chest, resembling a poncho or blanket. This marked the first instance in his 12-year papacy that Pope Francis had been observed in public without his customary white cassock and zucchetto, the traditional papal skullcap.
Media Focus on Pope’s Health
Another prominent Italian newspaper, Il Giornale, adopted a more somber perspective. Their front-page headline on Friday, accompanying a photo of Francis in a wheelchair with oxygen cannulas, declared: “The pope puts his suffering on show.” This underscored the ongoing concerns about the pontiff’s health following his recent hospitalization.
Recent Health Concerns and Recovery
Pope Francis had been hospitalized for five weeks in February and March due to severe respiratory issues, including pneumonia affecting both lungs. He is currently in a period of recuperation. Despite this, he made a surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica after noon on Thursday. He was seen smiling, waving, and greeting onlookers as he was escorted in a wheelchair by his nurse, accompanied by security personnel.
Vatican Statement on Basilica Visit
On Friday, the Vatican press office clarified that Pope Francis had been undergoing physical therapy at the Vatican guesthouse where he resides. He decided to visit the basilica for prayer during his therapy session. A Vatican spokesperson indicated, “He is clearly improving, as you have been able to note from the outings of recent days,” suggesting a positive trajectory in the Pope’s recovery.
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Prior Public Engagements
Earlier in the week, Pope Francis made another surprise appearance at a Mass in St. Peter’s Square. He also held a private meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Britain, whose visit had been previously postponed due to the Pope’s illness.
Doctors’ Advice and Public Interaction
Upon his discharge from a Rome hospital on March 23, Pope Francis was advised by his physicians to rest for a minimum of two months. They also recommended limiting contact with children, due to their potential to carry respiratory infections. However, videos circulating online showed Pope Francis shaking hands with a young boy and tenderly caressing a baby, indicating his continued willingness to engage with the public.
Debate Over Papal Garment
Despite these interactions, it was Pope Francis’ attire on Thursday that became the primary talking point. Vatican observers engaged in considerable discussion regarding the striped cloth he wore. Speculation arose as to whether it was indeed a poncho or simply a blanket carefully folded for warmth. The unusual garment choice further fueled interest in his unexpected basilica visit.
Meeting with Restoration Experts
Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis paused to greet two restorers who were completing the final stages of restoration on the 17th-century tomb and monument of Pope Urban VIII, a masterpiece by the Baroque artist Bernini. The restored monument was subsequently presented to the media on Friday.
Restorer’s Account of Papal Encounter
Michela Malfanti, one of the restorers, described the encounter as “extraordinary and unique.” She recounted, “It was just us, the pope, and the people with him.” Malfanti shared her apprehension about shaking the Pope’s hand due to her cold hands, but emphasized his warmth and kindness, stating that he insisted on shaking her hand regardless.