Two art restorers were putting the final touches on a months-long restoration of the tomb of Pope Urban VIII, who in 1626 consecrated St. Peter’s Basilica, when the convalescing Pope Francis appeared,

Pope Francis' surprise visit to St. Peter's Basilica to pray and see ongoing restoration work is a clear sign that his condition is improving, the Vatican press office said.

Appearing publicly in street clothes for the first time as pontiff, Pope Francis went into St. Peter’s Basilica to pray and greet the faithful.

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, who is recovering from life-threatening double pneumonia, made an unscheduled visit to St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday, his second surprise event in two days after previously meeting King Charles III.

The Pope suffered numerous health problems after being hospitalized in February, including kidney failure, numerous respiratory crises and pneumonia in both lungs

King Charles IIi said on a visit to Italy Tuesday that he was praying for Pope Francis as the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff recovers from pneumonia. "I pray for the Pope", Charles III said while meeting with representatives of various faiths during the garden party with the British community at Villa Wolkonsky,

As part of the Jubilee of Hope, a World Meeting of Prayer Groups of the Charismatic Renewal has concluded in Rome.