Pope Francis visits a prison in Rome during Holy Week

Pope Francis on Thursday visited a prison in Rome amid the Catholic Holy Week, in a rare appearance amid his recenet health problems and recovery.

The Vatican said the pope greeted about 70 inmates during his visit. 

"Every year l like to do what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet in a prison," the pope said, according to ABC News. "This year I cannot do it, but I wanted to be close to you. I pray for you and all your families."

The 88-year-old Francis was released from the hospital in March after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

He made his first public appearance earlier this month at St. Peter’s Square during a special mass.