Pope Francis was "happy" to get out and about this week, the Vatican has said, but while his health is improving, it is too soon to confirm his participation in Easter celebrations.
The 88-year-old, who is recovering from life-threatening pneumonia, appeared at three unscheduled events in recent days - including a surprise visit to Saint Peter's Basilica - despite doctors urging him to rest.
"The Pope was taking a walk yesterday morning, he asked to extend the walk by going to pray in the basilica," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
The head of the Catholic Church, who remained seated in a wheelchair throughout, surprised a family of tourists and workers engaged in restoration work when he appeared, without his papal clothing.
His head was uncovered and he wore a long-sleeved top, black priest trousers and a striped poncho or blanket instead of his traditional white vestments, according to a video published by ANSA news agency.
The Pope had a cannula - a plastic tube tucked into the nostrils - to help him breathe, but looked cheerful and stopped to say hello to a child.
"He was happy to go to the basilica and greet people," Mr Bruni said.
The spokesman confirmed that the Argentine's outing was an impromptu one that caught some Vatican officials off guard, saying: "Sometimes things are born out of a desire to surprise, and they surprise us too."
The quick trip to the basilica followed an unscheduled private audience with Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla on Wednesday and an unexpected appearance in Saint Peter's Square on Sunday.
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on 23 March after five weeks in Rome's Gemelli hospital.
The Vatican said that his voice and mobility are improving, but warned it was too early to say if he will take part in Easter celebrations.
"There are improvements (in his health) that you have been able to notice with the outings in the past days."
However, "we are not making any particular forecasts for Holy Week", Mr Bruni said, adding that it depended not only on the Pope's health but also "on the weather".
