On Saturday afternoon, Pope Francis – despite the Vatican’s repeated insistence that he is observing a two-month period of rest – made his fourth surprise outing in a week to pray at his favourite Roman basilica.
According to a Vatican statement issued on April 12, Pope Francis ventured out that afternoon to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, his preferred church among the Roman basilicas. This marked what is believed to be his first departure from the Vatican since returning from hospital three weeks ago.
