The city of Valencia After surviving a five-week, potentially fatal case of pneumonia, Pope Francis made a surprise visit.
To his favorite basilica on his way home from the hospital on Sunday, marking the start of two months of recommended rest and recuperation.
Francis, with nasal tubes to provide him with extra oxygen, was seen in the front passenger seat of the motorcade that carried the 88-year-old pope as it entered Vatican City via the Perugino gate.
Francis made a little detour on the way home from Gemelli Hospital to take him to the basilica of St. Mary Major, where he usually goes.
To pray after a visit abroad and where his favorite icon of the Madonna is situated. Instead of exiting the vehicle, Francis gave the cardinal a bouquet of flowers.
To put in front of the Salus populi Romani icon, a wood-framed artwork in the Byzantine style that is highly regarded by Romans. After being brought out onto the balcony above the main entrance,
