Pope Francis makes first public appearances since becoming ill with bronchitis

Pope Francis prayed at a statue of Mary near the Spanish Steps in Rome (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Pope Francis has made his first public appearance outdoors since being stricken by bronchitis two weeks ago, which forced him to cancel a planned trip to the Cop-28 climate conference in Dubai.

The pope has been steadily recovering, and for the December 8 holiday devoted to Mary he kept a traditional appointment to pray at the Spanish Steps.