New surprise blitz by Pope Francis .
The Pope arrived at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore shortly before 3 pm to pray to the Salus Populi Romani, which is so dear to him.
Dressed in a white cassock, skullcap on his head , Pope Francis entered the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in a wheelchair and carrying a bouquet of white roses as a floral tribute to Salus Populi Romani. He had nose pads for oxygen but appeared in good shape .
The Holy Father went to the chapel of the Salus Popoli Romani, the area had been cleared by the gendarmes. Here he was welcomed by the archpriest, Cardinal Rolandas Mackrikas. A platform was set up to allow him access to the chapel.
Bergoglio remained in the basilica for about a quarter of an hour. He greeted a family and in particular a child to whom he paid homage. The faithful were astonished and open-mouthed by a completely unexpected arrival . Some shouted “Long live the Pope,” a Mexican faithful shouted “Long live Mexico.”
(Online Union)