“Pope Francis Makes Remarkable Recovery from Severe Illness”
After overcoming a life-threatening case of pneumonia, Pope Francis bid farewell to the crowds gathered outside Rome’s Gemelli hospital. In his first public appearance in five weeks, the 88-year-old pontiff expressed gratitude to well-wishers, giving a thumbs up as he acknowledged the cheering crowd. Chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco” filled the air as he was wheeled onto a balcony overlooking the hospital’s main entrance.
Following this heartening moment, a motorcade whisked Pope Francis through the light traffic of Rome on Sunday morning, making a stop at a nearby church before heading to the Vatican. Security guards revealed that the pontiff intended to visit St. Mary Major basilica, a place where he finds solace in prayer after returning from international trips.
Upon reaching the Vatican, Pope Francis will embark on a two-month period of rest and recovery at home to aid his rehabilitation. The Argentine pope, who has a history of lung issues and underwent lung surgery in his youth, was admitted to the hospital on February 14 due to bronchitis complications which developed into double pneumonia.
The medical team at Gemelli Hospital navigated through several challenges during his hospitalization, including respiratory crises and kidney issues. Despite these setbacks, gradual improvements were observed, leading to his discharge. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the medical director, emphasized that ongoing medication and a two-month rest period are crucial for the pope’s continued recovery.
During his time in the hospital, Pope Francis shared a recorded message to express his gratitude for the prayers and support he received. Though his voice sounded weak and strained, his message resonated with the faithful who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for nightly prayers. The Vatican also released a photo of the pope in prayer, symbolizing his unwavering faith during challenging times.
As the world celebrates the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, his return home marks a significant milestone in his journey towards full health. The Vatican stands ready to support his recovery process, with hopes that he will soon resume his normal activities.
