In brief
In a surprising turn of events, Pope Francis was seen in civilian clothes during a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, eliciting various interpretations and reactions from the public and media.
Pope Francis made an unanticipated visit to St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday, showcasing his casual side by wearing civilian attire. The pontiff, known for his unexpected gestures, surprised many by donning a long-sleeved white T-shirt paired with dark slacks, accentuated by a striped garment draped over his chest. This appearance marked the first instance in his 12-year papacy where he was seen publicly without his traditional white cassock and zucchetto.Italy's Il Messaggero captured the mood with the headline, "Pope with a poncho, revolution in a photo," highlighting the unique attire. Conversely, Il Giornale took a more somber tone with the phrase, "The pope puts his suffering on show," juxtaposing the photo which depicted Francis in a wheelchair with oxygen cannulas post-hospitalization for severe respiratory issues earlier this year.The 88-year-old pontiff emerged in St. Peter’s after noon, warmly engaging with visitors and shaking hands, aided by his trusted nurse and security personnel. A Vatican spokesperson noted that the Pope had been receiving physical therapy at the Vatican guesthouse and felt well enough to pray in the basilica.Just a few days prior, Francis had attended a Mass in St. Peter’s Square and met with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, visits previously delayed due to health concerns. Following his recent discharge from the hospital on March 23, it was advised he take two months of rest, maintaining caution around children to avoid illness.The pope’s attire has sparked discussions among Vatican followers regarding whether his striped covering was indeed a poncho or merely a blanket. Inside St. Peter’s, he greeted restorers completing the renovation of the tomb of Pope Urban VIII, with one of the restorers recalling the moment, "It was an extraordinary thing, unique."Elisabetta Povoledo, reporting from Rome, is known for her extensive journalism on Italy and the Vatican, having dedicated 35 years to the field.
