Netizens have much to say about the attire Pope Francis donned during his recent appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he was seen waving to people gathered at the venue.
Amid the echoing marble halls of St. Peter’s Basilica, a serene yet striking moment unfolded — Pope Francis made a humble appearance that prompted much discussion online. Surrounded by advisors and aides, the pontiff was seen being pushed around in a wheelchair, offering a gentle gesture of peace to those around him.
Captured in a video shared by digital creator, Jacob Stein — known on Instagram as @cruxstationalis — the Pope exuded a subdued, yet poignant presence.
“Pope Francis made a surprise visit to St Peter’s Basilica in a wheelchair while using his oxygen cannula. It was the first time he has been seen without his papal attire. Let’s keep praying for his recovery!” reads the caption of the Instagram post.
In the footage, the pontiff is seen robed not in his traditional white cassock, but in black pants and a soft, striped covering — simple, functional, and unexpectedly informal. A discreet oxygen cannula rests beneath his nose, suggesting ongoing respiratory care.
The sight of him in this pared-down state offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the physical vulnerability of one of the world’s most visible spiritual leaders.
The setting — the grandeur of the basilica’s marbled corridors and towering arches — served only to emphasize the quiet humility of the moment.
There was no pomp, no ceremony, just a man, revered by millions, allowing himself to be seen not as a figure of institutional power, but as a human being navigating fragility with grace.
As the video of the Pope’s appearance circulated online, it ignited a cascade of reactions across social media platforms — many of them emotionally charged, and others steeped in concern or confusion.
A considerable number of people focused on the Pope’s outfit, which clearly diverged from his usual papal attire. “What in heavens name – why isn’t he dressed. How disrespectful to the Pope [sic],” one person remarked.
Echoing the sentiment, another questioned, “Why is he in those clothes?” while someone else simply asked, “In this outfit?” The noticeable change in appearance led to deeper speculation, with one person observing, “He’s not even wearing his fisherman’s ring…….is he still the Pope, or is the first sign of leaving [sic].”
Questions about the Pope’s physical condition were just as prevalent. “Doesn’t even look like him,” asserted a spectator, reflecting a common thread of concern.
“He’s lost so much weight,” noticed another, while a more contemplative voice reiterated, “Looks like he lost a lot of weight. This becomes him…”
Beyond outward appearance, some people turned to deeper interpretations, with one netizen suggesting Pope Francis’ appearance, in the clothes he wore, signifies a message that “they are gradually dismantling the Church.”
While online spectators speculated over the Pope’s appearance and attire, many of their concerns were not unfounded, as his recent history with illness has been well-documented. The Vatican and the Holy See Press Office have been transparent about his ongoing health challenges via a series of announcements and updates.
Back in February of this year (2025), the Holy See Press Office confirmed that Pope Francis had been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to receive treatment for a recurring bout of bronchitis.
As part of the post-discharge plan, Pope Francis was prescribed at least two months of convalescence. During this period, he remained under medical supervision and prioritized rest.
The day after Pope Francis’ discharge was announced, the Vatican shared a video of the pontiff waving at many well-wishers who gathered outside of Gemelli Hospital to see and cheer for him. He then addressed the crowd directly, speaking into a microphone that was held up for him.
Pope Francis thanked everyone, before noting how he recognized a lady, who participates in the General Audience every Wednesday, amid the crowd, holding a flower bouquet.
He called her a good person before continuing to wave at the cheering crowd, who recorded his appearance with their cellphones.
The update, coming just a day after the Pope’s surprise visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, offers a message both tender and telling: though his steps may be slower, and his breath measured, the heart of the papacy remains very much alive.
