Bishop Larry J. Kulick of the Diocese of Greensburg was among a crowd of hundreds that gathered Sunday outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome for Pope Francis’ first appearance since he was hospitalized on Feb. 14 for life-threatening double pneumonia.
The pope gave a short blessing to the crowd, who cheered “Papa Francesco” as he approached a hospital window.
The 88-year-old pontiff then returned to the Vatican to begin two months of rest and recovery, the Associated Press reported. Doctors said he will receive supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed and eventually should be able to resume all his normal activities.
Kulick, one of a handful of bishops who came to the blessing, spoke to news media from the U.S., Germany, Ireland, Poland and Italy.
In a YouTube video from the gathering, Kulick said he blessed the rosaries of some others in attendance.
“So many people came up to me from all over, from Central America, from Italy itself, from the United States, asking for prayers for their sick relatives and friends.” he said.
Kulick is leading a pilgrimage over the next 10 days for the Jubilee of Hope. About 30 pilgrims from the Diocese of Greensburg are scheduled to join him.
