“Pope Francis Hospitalized: A Detailed Timeline of His Recovery as He Returns Home to the Vatican”ROME (AP) — After a five-week hospitalization due to a severe bout of pneumonia, Pope Francis has finally returned to the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff faced two life-threatening crises during his stay, but by the fourth week, doctors declared he was no longer in critical condition. Following two weeks of stability, he was deemed well enough to continue his recovery at the Vatican. Here is an overview of the key events during this unprecedented hospital stay of Francis’ 12-year papacy, as provided by the Vatican:
– Feb. 14: Pope Francis is hospitalized with bronchitis and a mild fever after morning audiences, with doctors diagnosing a respiratory tract infection.
– Feb. 17: Diagnosis reveals a polymicrobial infection in his respiratory passages, a setback in his recovery.
– Feb. 18: An X-ray confirms pneumonia in both lungs, prompting cortisone and antibiotic treatments.
– Feb. 21: Doctors announce the pope is in critical condition but not facing immediate life-threatening danger. He is treated for steroid-induced diabetes.
– Feb. 22: Francis experiences a respiratory crisis, requiring high-pressure oxygen. Blood transfusions are administered for anemia and low platelet count.
– Feb. 23: Onset of slight kidney failure is reported, with the pope remaining in critical condition.
– Feb. 26: Improvement noted as the renal failure regresses.
– Feb. 28: Pope faces a coughing spasm incident, necessitating noninvasive aspiration and supplemental oxygen.
– March 3: Two bronchospasm episodes require bronchoscopies, showing progress despite a guarded prognosis.
– March 6: Francis records a weak audio message thanking the faithful for their prayers.
– March 10: Doctors state he is no longer in imminent danger of death from pneumonia but continue treatment.
– March 12: Chest X-ray reveals improvement in the pope’s condition.
– March 13: Pope marks his 12th papal anniversary with well wishes from the hospital.
– March 14: The Vatican scales back medical updates, indicating the pope’s improving condition.
– March 16: First photo of Pope Francis during hospitalization is released, showing him in the private chapel without a breathing tube.
These events chronicle the challenging journey of Pope Francis as he battled illness and regained his strength before finally returning home to the Vatican.
On March 23, doctors revealed that the pope would be discharged from the hospital the following day. He is expected to undergo a recovery period of at least two months, during which he is advised against participating in gatherings with large crowds. Francis, appearing weak and frail, departed Gemelli hospital for the Vatican after briefly appearing on the hospital’s balcony.
