Pope Francis surprised a St. Peter's Square, Vatican, congregation by appearing in a wheelchair toward the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers. The big picture: It marked the 88-year-old pontiff's first public appearance since leaving on March 23 Rome's Gemelli hospital,

Pope Francis has made his first public appearance since he was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital and his recovery has inspired hope among Catholics.

Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital two weeks ago after treatment for double pneumonia, entering St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in a wheelchair on Sunday to greet cheering crowds.