Pope Francis makes first public appearance ahead of hospital discharge
ROME — Appearing weak but in good spirits, Pope Francis on Sunday briefly greeted hundreds faithfuls from a balcony at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, marking his first public appearance since being hospitalized with a severe respiratory infection five weeks ago.
“I see a woman with yellow flowers. Brava!” he said, his voice subdued. The 88-year-old then gave the crowd a thumbs up and made the sign of the cross before being wheeled back into his room. He is expected to be discharged later in the day.
The crowd erupted in chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco,” celebrating his remarkable recovery after an illness that left him hospitalized for weeks.
“It’s emotional to again find the hope that the pope brings,” said Rome resident Giulia Gianarelli.
Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 with a severe respiratory infection, the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy. At one point, he was placed on a non-invasive ventilator, doctors said.
Even as he returns to the Vatican, doctors caution that his recovery will take time. He is expected to undergo two months of rehabilitation, and as evidenced by his frail voice on Sunday, he still has difficulty speaking after time spent on oxygen therapy. Doctors say they expect his voice to recover over time.
Legal experts say pulling Jimmy Kimmel from air may amount to illegal ‘jawboning’
Free speech scholars say ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely represents "jawboning," when government officials pressure private companies to suppress speech.
Trump administration rushes to rent space for immigration officers conducting raids
Employees at the General Services Administration are scrambling to lease offices to accommodate a rapid increase of immigration enforcement officers carrying out widespread raids across the country.
FTC sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster alleging illegal resale tactics
The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, on Thursday, alleging that the company willingly misleads consumers about ticket prices and cooperates with scalpers to markup resale prices.
Bad Bunny skipped touring the states. Will other performers follow suit?
Artists from abroad are worried that the current climate is making American tours not worth the time and effort.
Trump suggests U.S. troops could return to Afghan base over China concerns
Trump floated the idea during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he wrapped up a state visit to the U.K. and tied it to the need for the U.S. to counter its top rival, China.
CDC’s new advisers debate changing guidance on childhood vaccines
The group was chosen by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. amid controversy over their credentials. It's considering making changes to the MMRV vaccine guidance among others.
