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- Pope Francis returns to the public eye for the first time since February 14.
- The pope had been battling double pneumonia along with other complications.
- Medical professionals recommend a two-month recovery period for him.
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after enduring a five-week hospitalization due to double pneumonia, marking one of the most significant health challenges of his 12-year papacy.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who made his first public appearance since February 14 just before leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, departed the facility shortly after noon.
His car was escorted by police through the streets of Rome, briefly stopping to deliver flowers to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a church to which he has a deep connection and visits frequently.
Although the pope is back from the hospital, his doctors have indicated that it will take “a considerable amount of time” for his older body to fully recover.
They have advised him to rest for an additional two months at the Vatican and to avoid large or demanding meetings, leaving uncertainty about his level of activity in the near future.
Before leaving the hospital on Sunday, Francis smiled and waved at well-wishers gathered outside, using a wheelchair—as he has done for several years.
His face appeared swollen, and bandages were visible on both arms beneath his white cassock during this brief appearance.
He spoke softly to thank a 79-year-old supporter, Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, who had been visiting him daily during his treatment and brought him yellow flowers. She later told Reuters her heart felt “overjoyed” when the pope acknowledged her.
During his hospitalization, he had been seen publicly only once before, in a photo released by the Vatican showing him praying in the chapel of the hospital.
Although Francis has been reliant on oxygen support during his hospitalization, he was breathing independently during his recent public appearance. However, he was seen using an oxygen tube while being driven in his car.
The crowd of hundreds outside the hospital cheered and chanted “Francis, Francis, Francis” just before the pontiff made his appearance on Sunday.
Gratitude to Medical Staff for ‘Unwavering Care’
Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis had initially been admitted to the hospital for a case of bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia, linked to what his medical team described as a “complex” infection involving multiple microorganisms.
Throughout his 38 days in the hospital, he experienced four serious episodes of what was termed “respiratory crises” by the Vatican, characterized by severe coughing fits due to airway constriction, similar to asthma attacks.
Two of these crises were critical and posed a risk to his life, as noted by Sergio Alfieri, the leader of the pope’s medical team, during a press conference on Saturday.
While the pneumonia has cleared up, the pope is not yet fully recovered, according to his doctors. Alfieri also mentioned that it would take time for him to regain his voice after such a prolonged struggle with the respiratory infection.
On Sunday, the Vatican shared a brief statement attributed to Francis, expressing his gratitude to the medical staff for their “unwavering care.”
Many Catholics across the globe had been praying for his recovery, and visitors to the Vatican on Sunday expressed relief at his release from the hospital.
“This news brings joy and hope to us all,” said Grazia Mara, an Italian visitor. “We wish him a safe return home and a quick recovery.”
While in the hospital, the pope continued to fulfill his duties, making episcopal appointments worldwide and initiating a new three-year reform process for the Church.
However, his two-month rest period may lead to significant adjustments in the Vatican’s schedule of upcoming events.
He had been scheduled to meet Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and to lead the Vatican’s annual Easter services on April 20, but the Vatican has not clarified if he will be able to attend those meetings.
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