Pope Francis Appears Frail as He Leaves Hospital to Continue Recovery at the Vatican
Pope Francis Discharged After Five-Week Hospital Stay
Pope Francis was released from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after battling double pneumonia for the past five weeks. He has returned to the Vatican, where he will continue his recovery at Casa Santa Marta, his residence since becoming pope in 2013.
The 88-year-old pontiff made his first public appearance in weeks as he left the hospital, waving to onlookers and giving a thumbs-up from a balcony. Despite looking frail and struggling to speak, he thanked the crowd outside, acknowledged a woman holding flowers, and attempted to give a blessing, though he appeared to have difficulty raising his arms.
Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection, later diagnosed as a polymicrobial infection that progressed into pneumonia in both lungs. According to his doctors, his condition has now stabilized, but his recovery will take at least two more months.
During a news conference on Saturday, Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed that the pope had faced “two very critical episodes” during his 38-day hospitalization, where his life was in danger. He emphasized that the convalescence period ahead is “very important” and that Francis will need to gradually return to work, avoiding large gatherings for now.
Before returning to the Vatican, the pope visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to offer flowers at the icon of the Virgin Mary, Salus Populi Romani. This visit held personal significance, as Francis traditionally visits the church before and after major trips and hospital stays.
While in the hospital, Francis was rarely seen in public. The Vatican had only released one photograph of him praying in the hospital’s chapel. He also refrained from leading the Angelus prayer for six consecutive Sundays, though he still provided a weekly reflection.
In his Angelus message, which was distributed to reporters in advance, Francis spoke about patience and faith during hardship.
“During this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and health workers, as well as in the care and hopes of the relatives of the sick,” he said.
“This trusting patience, anchored in the love of God that does not fail, is truly necessary in our life, especially to face the most difficult and painful situations.”
The pope also expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, saying he was “saddened by the resumption of heavy Israeli bombings, with so many dead and wounded.” He urged for a ceasefire and renewed peace talks between Israel and Hamas to ensure all hostages are freed and a lasting peace is achieved.
Despite undergoing weeks of non-invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, Francis has remained determined to recover. His voice has improved but remains weak, and he will continue treatment and physiotherapy at the Vatican.
Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of the Vatican’s healthcare service, confirmed that while the pope no longer has pneumonia, he still requires further healing from the other infections he battled. He added that Francis had been in good spirits and eager to be discharged.
Francis’ demanding schedule may need to change due to his health. Before being hospitalized, he maintained a rigorous routine of meetings and speeches. His close aide, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, suggested that the pontiff’s experience in the hospital could mark a “new stage” in his life and leadership.
“He is a man of surprises, who will surely have learned so many things in this month, and he’ll pull who knows what out of the hat,” Fernández said. “So even knowing that this has been a very heavy effort for him, a difficult time, I know it will be fruitful for the church and for the world.”
Even while recovering, Francis has remained engaged in church affairs. Earlier this month, he approved a three-year reform process for the Catholic Church, which includes discussions on the ordination of women as deacons and increasing the role of non-clergy members in governance.
While his discharge has been met with relief and optimism, the coming months will be crucial for his full recovery and future role as the head of the Catholic Church.
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