Pope Francis made a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and health care workers.

The pontiff, who was rolled into the square on a wheelchair, was making his first public appearance at the Vatican since being released from hospital two weeks earlier.

As he made his way to the altar at the square, he waved at the crowd. “Good Sunday to everyone,” said the pope. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The pope’s voice sounded louder and stronger than when he spoke outside Gemelli hospital on 23 March, the day of his release. He had been battling life-threatening pneumonia during a five-week stay there.

In an Angelus Sunday prayer written by the pope himself and read out by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pontiff said: “I pray for doctors, nurses and health care workers, who are not always able to work in adequate conditions and are sometimes even victims of aggression.”

“Their mission is not easy, and they must be supported and respected. I hope that the necessary resources will be invested in treatment and research, so that health care systems will be inclusive and attentive to the poor and the most fragile.”

He also thanked the inmates of Rebibbia women’s prison, who had sent him a card wishing him a quick recovery. “I pray for them and for their families,” he wrote, before wishing for peace in places affected by war, as well as more aid for Myanmar and Haiti.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has declared that a time will come when the church’s Governing Council will hold its meetings on the moon. The prominent cleric made the statement during a recent church programme, attributing the revelation to a divine message from God.

Adeboye, who is widely respected for his spiritual leadership within and beyond Nigeria, acknowledged the extraordinary nature of the prophecy but emphasized his unwavering belief in God’s ability to bring it to pass.

“I know with God all things are possible,” he said during the service. “He told me a time will come when the RCCG Governing Council will hold its meetings on the moon. It may not make sense, but that’s God. You don’t have to believe it—but it will come to pass.”

The statement has since drawn varied reactions among followers and observers, with some viewing it as a testament to faith and others questioning the feasibility of such a scenario.

Prominent Islamic cleric and Chief Imam of Dutsen Tanshi Jumaat Mosque, Dr. Idris Abdulaziz, has passed away after a lengthy battle with an undisclosed illness.

He died on Thursday night, leaving the Bauchi community and beyond in mourning over the loss of a respected religious leader.

Funeral prayers for Dr. Abdulaziz will be held in Bauchi at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.

Dr. Abdulaziz, known for his passionate advocacy for justice and dedication to his faith, had been entangled in a legal dispute with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, since 2022. He was facing trial for alleged defamation and was at one point declared wanted by the Bauchi State Police Command for alleged contempt of court.

Despite these controversies, Dr. Abdulaziz remained a revered figure, drawing admiration for his sermons and commitment to societal issues.

News of his death has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from followers and sympathizers across social media platforms, with many describing him as a courageous and unwavering voice in the community.

Though details surrounding his illness and death remain undisclosed, his passing has undeniably left a significant void in the religious landscape of Bauchi State.