Pope makes another surprise appearance at St. Peter’s, greeting restorers of papal tombs

Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis made a short and unannounced visit Saturday to St. Peter’s Basilica to pray before this evening’s Easter vigil and greet some of the faithful present. The 88-year-old pontiff, in a wheelchair, arrived at around 6 p.m. local time accompanied by his nurse and stayed for about a quarter hour, stopping to pray at St. Peter’s tomb, the Italian press service Ansa reported. The pope greeted those in attendance before heading back to his re…

Pope surprises at St. Peter's

ROME — Two art restorers were putting the final touches on a months-long restoration of the tomb of Pope Urban VIII, who in 1626 consecrated St. Peter's Basilica, when the convalescing Pope Francis appeared, unannounced, in a wheelchair

Pope Francis makes another surprise appearance at St. Peter's, greeting restorers of papal tombs

The pontiff is in his third week of doctor-ordered rest after nearly dying from double pneumonia, and doctors have advised him to avoid large gatherings.

Pope Francis, in Street Clothes, Makes Surprise Visit in St. Peter’s Basilica - Overpasses For America

For a pope known for unexpected gestures, Francis’ brief swing through St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday might be the most audacious yet — at least in his attire. “Pope with a poncho, revolution in a photo,” read the caption of the photograph on the front page of the Rome daily newspaper Il Messaggero, showing Francis dressed in civilian clothes — a long-sleeved white T-shirt and dark slacks with a striped garment draped over his chest. It was th…

Pope makes another surprise appearance at St. Peter's, greeting restorers of papal tombs

Two art restorers were putting the final touches on a months-long restoration of the tomb of Pope Urban VIII, who in 1626 consecrated St.

Pope's visit to basilica is sign of improved health, press office says

Pope Francis' surprise visit to St. Peter's Basilica to pray and see ongoing restoration work is a clear sign that his condition is improving, the Vatican press office said.