Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after a challenging five-week stay in the hospital due to double pneumonia, marking the most significant health crisis of his 12-year papacy. The 88-year-old pontiff, who made his first public appearance since February 14 before being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, left the facility around noon.
Accompanied by police vehicles, a car carrying the pope made a brief stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a church dear to Francis, where he often visits. While he has returned, his medical team has advised that his body will need considerable time to fully recover. They have recommended an additional two months of rest at the Vatican, urging him to avoid strenuous activities and large gatherings, raising questions about his upcoming schedule.
Before departing the hospital, Francis greeted well-wishers with a smile and wave, using a wheelchair as he has done for some time. Despite his swollen face and bandaged arms visible beneath his white cassock, he expressed gratitude to Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, a devoted visitor during his hospitalization who brought him flowers. While his hospital stay required oxygen support, he appeared to breathe independently during this brief appearance.
Throughout his hospitalization, the pope faced critical respiratory challenges, including severe coughing fits due to airway constrictions. Although he has recovered from pneumonia, he is still on a path to complete healing, with his voice yet to fully regain strength after battling a prolonged respiratory infection. In a statement prepared by Francis and released by the Vatican, he thanked his medical team for their dedicated care.
The news of his discharge has brought relief to Catholics worldwide, with pilgrims at the Vatican expressing joy and hope for the pope’s safe return home. Grazia Mara, an Italian visitor, shared sentiments of encouragement and well wishes for Francis as he continues his recovery journey.
“The pope continued to oversee the Church from the hospital, conducting regular appointments of Catholic bishops globally and initiating a new three-year reform process. However, a two-month period of rest for Francis could potentially impact the Vatican’s upcoming events calendar. Scheduled meetings with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and the annual Easter celebrations on April 20 may be affected. The Vatican has not confirmed if Francis will be able to fulfill these engagements.”
