Francis' Doctor: "He Couldn't Have A Better Comeback"

Francis' unexpected presence in St. Peter's Square on Sunday was "a great joy for everyone," the coordinator of his medical team, Sergio Alfieri, enthused on the Italian state television Tg1: "The Holy Father wanted to give us this surprise, to show that he has not only returned to Santa Marta, but has truly returned to his home: among the people."

Being close to the people could test his own health, Alfieri noted.

He explained that Francis has chosen to appear frail, with oxygen tubes that were [allegedly] not necessary. This means "with humility, without fear, as a sign of transparency and humanity," Alfieri interpreted.

To those who speculate about a state of permanent immunodepression, Alfieri replied that Francis is "no longer sick."

"When he was hospitalized, yes, he was immunodepressed, and that required precautions, but now he is in a convalescent phase. The acute phase of the pneumonia is over and the Holy Father continues to follow the therapies we have prescribed for him", he said.

The decision to go public on Sunday was not imposed by anyone: "He is the one who decides".

Alfieri does not exclude "other surprises," suggesting that we may soon see the Pope among the people again.

Speaking to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Alfieri said that Francis "could not have had a better comeback," adding: "Lively, present, in a good mood."

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