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Pope Francis Makes Surprise Appearance

Published

3 weeks ago

April 6, 2025

Pope Francis greets the faithful during the Jubilee pilgrimage of the sick. Before his appearance in St Peter’s Square, he received the sacrament of reconciliation and passed through the Holy Door. Credit : X – @vaticannews_it

Pope Francis made an unexpected return to public view on Sunday, appearing in St Peter’s Square for the first time since being discharged from hospital two weeks ago.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who had spent over a month in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital battling pneumonia, looked visibly brighter and in better spirits as he greeted worshippers from his wheelchair.

Wearing a nasal cannula to assist his breathing, the Pope smiled and waved to the crowd after attending a mass dedicated to the sick. It was a brief but powerful appearance, with pilgrims and tourists breaking into cheers as he was wheeled into the square.

Pope’s health improving after pneumonia treatment

While the Pope’s voice remains weak, onlookers noted that he seemed far more animated than in his last public sighting shortly before leaving hospital on 23 March. At the time, he had appeared frail, barely able to speak or raise his arms.

This weekend, however, Francis was able to move more freely and appeared more at ease, gesturing more comfortably and responding warmly to the crowds gathered to see him. According to the Vatican, the Pope began his Sunday by going to confession in St Peter’s Basilica before making his way outside to greet the faithful.

His presence came as a surprise, with no official announcement beforehand, sparking emotional reactions from many in the square.

Pope still in recovery after severe pneumonia scare

The Pope’s health scare began on 14 February, when he was admitted to hospital with a severe respiratory infection. Doctors later confirmed a polymicrobial infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. He remained in care for 38 days, in what his medical team later described as his most serious health crisis since taking office in 2013.

In a rare and candid moment, Vatican doctors revealed after his discharge that Francis faced two life-threatening episodes during his hospital stay. Upon release, he was expected to spend at least two months recovering at Casa Santa Marta, his residence in the Vatican.

Despite his age and frailty, Sunday’s brief appearance served as a reassuring moment for many, signalling that the Pope is, slowly but surely, on the mend.

Stay tuned with Euro weekly news for the latest news from Italy

Related Topics:EuroWeekly News News from Italy Pope Francis

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May Day In Mijas: Free Sardines And Live Music

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Marina Bruce

may-day-in-mijas:-free-sardines-and-live-music

Freshly grilled sardines prepared by local espetero. Credit: Mijas Town Hall

Looking for a fun and traditional way to spend May 1? Head to La Cala de Mijas for the much-loved sardinada, where more than 600 kilos of sardines will be cooked and handed out for free.

The event, which begins at 12 p.m. in Plaza del Torreon, marks International Workers’ Day, a public holiday across Spain. Visitors can enjoy freshly grilled sardines prepared by 18 local espeteros, skilled workers who will cook the fish the traditional Malaga way over open wood fires.

As well as delicious food, the day includes live music and family-friendly entertainment. From 1:30pm, local bands Alborea and Radio 80 will take to the stage under a large marquee, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

The La Cala Youth Association will also run a bar area, serving drinks and extra snacks at affordable prices, making it a great day out for all ages.

The Mijas Town Hall, which organises the event each year, encourages locals and expats to come along and enjoy this popular celebration of community, food and music.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, the May Day sardinada in La Cala is the perfect way to enjoy the local traditions of the Costa del Sol.

Bring your appetite, grab a plate, and join in the fun!

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Injured Hiker Airlifted In Puig D’en Ric

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Santiago Carneri

injured-hiker-airlifted-in-puig-d’en-ric

Guardia Civil has reiterated its advice to mountain-goers: avoid overestimating your capabilities. Credit: Guardia Civil

A female hiker was airlifted to safety on Saturday April 26 after injuring her ankle while trekking near Puig d’en Ric, in the municipality of Andratx. The incident occurred on Saturday morning, as she was ascending the forest trail in the Cala Egos area and twisted her ankle, leaving her unable to continue.

Specialists from the Guardia Civil’s Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (GREIM), alongside their Air Service unit, successfully rescued the woman after she sustained an injury while trekking near Puig d’en Ric.

The rescue team quickly located the injured hiker, and GREIM officers descended from a helicopter using a winch system to reach her. After administering first aid on-site, they immobilised her ankle with a vacuum splint.

The woman was then airlifted by helicopter and transferred to Son Espases Hospital for further treatment.

According to data provided by the Guardia Civil, there were 156 mountain rescue operations in Mallorca in 2024, a figure that has already risen to 89 incidents in the first four months of 2025 alone. The majority of these rescues involve hikers who are unprepared, physically overexerted, or unaware of the risks posed by the island’s rugged terrain and sudden changes in weather conditions.

In light of the rescue, the Guardia Civil has reiterated its advice to mountain-goers: avoid overestimating your capabilities, plan your route carefully, check weather conditions beforehand, and match the technical difficulty of the route to your personal fitness and experience. According to the Guardia Civil, a lack of preparation and insufficient technical skill are the most common causes of accidents in the mountains.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for the latest news about Europe and Mallorca.

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A Taste Of Buddha

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Ion Axinescu

Buddha House Restaurant in Torrox Costa. Credit: Buddha House Restaurant Facebook page

Located in Torrox Costa, Buddha House Restaurant offers a veritable culinary journey through Nepal and India. The restaurant stands out as one of the most appreciated dining experiences in the area, having an impressive Google rating of 4.6.

The décor and the atmosphere of the place echoes the spirit of Nepal’s hidden corners. It has a spacious main dining room, a cosy terrace, and intimate private areas for casual family dinners or social gatherings.

But the real experience is on the plate. The kitchen, helmed by Nepalese chefs, presents an array of dishes that really stay true to their roots. It combines fresh vegetables, aromatic rice, tender lamb, chicken, and prawns with an ideal balance of spices and herbs.

The menu draws from a wide range of Indian and Nepalese regional cuisines, featuring well-known styles such as Madras, the sweet-and-spicy Dhansak, the fiery Phaal, or the bold Vindaloo. Vegetarian options are plentiful, and there are also specially designed menus for children.

Buddha House is an accessible destination for all types of diners, even for those who might not usually be big fans of Indian or Nepalese food. Friendly service and a nice and professional staff round off the experience.

Buddha House Restaurant is located at Avenida del Peñoncillo, 11, 29770 Torrox. You can call for reservations at 952 53 09 21.

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