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.

Source: CNN – Pope Francis appears frail as he’s discharged from hospital to continue recovery at Vatican

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Pontiff Under Medical Care Following Breathing Difficulties

Vatican City, March 1, 2025 – Pope Francis is resting after experiencing a sudden episode of respiratory difficulty, the Vatican announced. The 87-year-old pontiff spent a peaceful night under medical supervision after being placed on a breathing machine on Friday.

Health Update: Pope Alert but Under Watchful Care

According to the Holy See Press Office, the pope remained “alert and oriented at all times” despite complications from vomiting, some of which led to aspiration. Medical staff promptly treated the issue before placing him on mechanical ventilation.

A Vatican source told CNN that Francis is not intubated but is wearing a breathing mask for support. However, a spokesperson cautioned that the pope is not yet out of danger, and doctors expect to have a clearer picture of his condition in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Ongoing Health Challenges and Hospitalization

This latest health scare comes just two weeks after Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for lung-related complications, including bronchitis and pneumonia. This marks his fourth and longest hospitalization since becoming pope in 2013.

Francis has dealt with respiratory issues for much of his life. As a young man, he suffered from severe pneumonia and had part of one lung removed. The Vatican has been providing twice-daily health updates, with a prior report on Thursday stating that his condition was “improving” but with an uncertain prognosis.

Schedule Cleared Amid Intensive Treatment

To accommodate his medical care, the Vatican has cleared the pope’s schedule, including next week’s Ash Wednesday service, a key event marking the beginning of Lent. This is only the second time in his 12-year papacy that he will not lead the ceremony. Instead, a cardinal will take his place.

Call for Prayers

On Friday night, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández of Argentina urged the faithful to pray not only for Pope Francis but also for those suffering around the world.

“Certainly, it is close to the Holy Father’s heart that our prayers be not only for him, but also for all those who, in this particular dramatic and suffering moment of the world, bear the heavy burden of war, sickness, and poverty.”

The world continues to watch and pray as the pope receives medical care. More updates are expected as doctors monitor his progress.

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Vatican Update: Pope’s Health Condition Improves Slightly

Pope Francis continues to show slight improvements as he battles double pneumonia, according to the Vatican’s latest statement on Wednesday. A recent chest CT scan confirmed the infection is progressing as expected with treatment. While his condition remains serious, doctors have not reported any further respiratory crises since Saturday.

At 88 years old, Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, remains on high-flow supplemental oxygen. His blood tests have improved, showing better platelet counts and a reversal of previous kidney insufficiency concerns. Additionally, the Vatican confirmed for the first time that he is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy to aid in clearing fluid from his lungs.

While his prognosis remains cautious, the Pope resumed his usual duties, receiving the Eucharist in the morning and working from his hospital room in the afternoon. Despite his hospitalization, Vatican operations continue, with Francis approving four new bishops and launching a new fundraising initiative for the financially struggling Holy See.

Pilgrims Gather at Hospital to Show Support

Outside Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where the Pope is being treated, crowds of pilgrims and well-wishers have gathered in support. The statue of St. John Paul II near the hospital entrance has become a focal point for visitors leaving candles, balloons, and get-well cards.

A group of 50 Spanish pilgrims, led by Bishop Gerardo Villalonga from Menorca, visited the site to be as close as possible to the Pope. “When a family has someone who is sick, it’s important to surround them with love and support,” Villalonga said.

As dusk fell, trumpeter Felice Carella and singer Davide Capuano performed a heartfelt rendition of Schubert’s Ave Maria outside the hospital. Capuano expressed his emotions, saying, “This is more than a song—it’s a prayer for the Pope’s recovery. These are difficult days, and I hope the whole world joins us in prayer.”

Vatican Holds Special Prayers for Pope Francis

At St. Peter’s Square, a special prayer vigil took place on Wednesday night, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. His role is particularly significant, as he would oversee any potential papal conclave.

The Pope’s homeland also held a Mass in his honor at the Argentine Church in Rome, led by Cardinal Baldassarre Reina. At Gemelli Hospital, staff and clergy gathered for a lunchtime Mass to pray for his recovery.

Sister Nilda Trejo, an Argentine nun, reflected on Francis’ long-standing health challenges, particularly with breathing and speaking. “We always knew he struggled, but he always spoke directly to the people and to their hearts,” she said.

Pope Francis’ Recovery Continues, But Condition Remains Serious

Although Francis is showing progress, Vatican doctors emphasize that he is not yet out of danger. His medical team continues to monitor his condition closely as he undergoes treatment.

As the world watches and prays, Pope Francis remains steadfast in his mission, even from his hospital bed—an enduring testament to his leadership and faith.

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Pope Francis remains in critical condition as he battles pneumonia in both lungs at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. However, the Vatican reported slight improvements in his laboratory tests on Monday, noting that he has resumed some work, including making a phone call to a parish in Gaza City.

Vatican’s Update: A Slightly More Hopeful Outlook

The Vatican’s latest evening bulletin was more optimistic than in previous days. While the 88-year-old pontiff remains fragile due to his pre-existing lung disease and age, doctors reported no new respiratory crises since Saturday. He continues to receive supplemental oxygen, though at a slightly reduced flow and concentration. Additionally, while slight kidney insufficiency was detected on Sunday, it is not currently causing alarm.

Despite his condition, Pope Francis was reported to be in good spirits, free of pain, and not receiving artificial nutrition. In the morning, he received the Eucharist and later resumed light work, including reading and signing documents.

A Call to Gaza Amid His Own Struggles

One of the pope’s first actions upon resuming work was to reach out to the Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine priest leading the Catholic community in Gaza. For over a year, Francis has been in daily contact with the priest via video calls, checking in on the parish, which has provided shelter for Palestinians during the ongoing war.

Romanelli had previously reported hearing from Francis soon after he was hospitalized but not since. The Vatican said Francis had watched a video sent by Romanelli and called to personally thank him, showing his continued concern for the suffering in Gaza despite his own health crisis.

Prayers for the Pope in St. Peter’s Square

As concern for Pope Francis grew, the Vatican’s No. 2 official, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, led a somber nighttime Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

“For 2,000 years, the Christian people have prayed for the pope when he was in danger or sick,” Parolin told the rain-soaked crowd. Standing on the same stage where Francis usually presides, he acknowledged the global chorus of prayers for the pope’s recovery.

“Starting this evening, we want to unite ourselves publicly to this prayer here, in his house,” Parolin said, asking for a swift recovery for Francis “in this moment of illness and trial.”

Concern at Gemelli Hospital

Inside the Gemelli Hospital, where Pope Francis has been hospitalized since February 14, the atmosphere remained somber. Bishop Claudio Giuliodori led an emotional, standing-room-only Mass in the hospital’s chapel, named after Pope John Paul II, who was also treated there multiple times.

Among the estimated 200 attendees were doctors in white coats and nurses in surgical scrubs. Some knelt in prayer, visibly moved by the pope’s condition.

“We are very sorry. Pope Francis is a good pope. Let’s hope he makes it,” said Filomena Ferraro, a visitor at the hospital. “We are joining him with our prayers, but what else can we do?”

Doctors Warn of Sepsis Risk

Doctors have cautioned that the primary danger for Pope Francis is sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can arise as a complication of pneumonia. However, the Vatican has not indicated any signs of sepsis in its medical updates so far.

At 10 days, this hospitalization marks the longest of Francis’ papacy, surpassing his 2021 stay when he spent 10 days in the same hospital after undergoing colon surgery.

As the world watches and prays, Pope Francis remains under close medical supervision, with his condition still delicate but showing small signs of progress.

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Wednesday, spending 20 minutes with the ailing 88-year-old pontiff. Following the visit, Meloni reassured the public that the pope was “alert and responsive,” displaying his trademark sense of humor despite battling pneumonia and a complex bronchial infection that has kept him hospitalized for six days.

Health Update: Slight Improvement but Continued Concern

The Vatican stated that while Pope Francis’ overall condition remains stable, blood tests have shown a slight improvement in key inflammation markers. Despite his illness, he remained engaged in his work, spending the afternoon collaborating with his aides.

Medical updates have confirmed that the pope is recovering from bilateral pneumonia on top of asthmatic bronchitis. He is receiving treatment with cortisone and antibiotics, and according to the Vatican, he has been eating, getting out of bed, and maintaining his daily routine.

Respiratory specialist Dr. Andrew Chadwick of Oxford University Hospitals noted that the severity of pneumonia depends on how well a patient responds to treatment. Given that pneumonia affects both of Francis’ lungs, there is concern over the extent of healthy lung tissue available for recovery.

Meloni’s Visit: A Show of Support and Reassurance

Meloni’s visit was the first confirmed by an outsider beyond the pope’s medical team and secretaries. She explained that her visit was meant to deliver get-well wishes on behalf of the government and the Italian people.

“We joked around as always. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humor,” Meloni said in a statement.

The unannounced visit appeared to be a deliberate effort to reassure Italians, many of whom have been anxious due to the lack of public images of Francis since his hospitalization.

Meloni, who took office in 2022, has often spoken of the deep influence Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI had on her. While she and Pope Francis have disagreed on issues such as immigration policies, they have collaborated on initiatives aimed at addressing Italy’s declining birthrate.

Prayers and Well-Wishes Pour In

As Francis continues his treatment, prayers for his recovery have flooded in from around the world. On Wednesday, his vicar for Rome called on the faithful to dedicate an hour of silent prayer before evening vespers. Visitors at the hospital’s chapel lit candles in his honor, while pilgrims who had planned to attend his weekly general audience still gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray.

“I think many people are disappointed, but more importantly, we really have to pray for his health,” said Sister Charlene, a nun visiting from Singapore.

Among the well-wishers was U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who took to social media to encourage prayers for Francis. His message came despite recent tensions after Francis criticized former President Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation policies.

A Pope at Risk: Age and Other Health Challenges

Francis, who has long struggled with mobility issues and often uses a wheelchair, faces increased risks due to his age and physical limitations. Doctors are closely monitoring his response to treatment, including physiotherapy to help clear his lungs.

Dr. Meredith McCormack, a pulmonary expert at Johns Hopkins University, noted that recovery from severe pneumonia in older adults can take longer. “Lack of worsening would be an encouraging sign,” she said.

So far, the Vatican has not provided a timeline for his hospital stay, only stating that his condition requires an “adequate” period of treatment.

Pilgrims Continue to Flock to the Vatican

Despite the cancellation of the pope’s public engagements, pilgrims have continued their Holy Year journeys. At St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, groups of faithful passed through the Holy Door, offering prayers for Francis’ recovery.

“We are happy to be here, but also sad for the pope’s sickness,” said Amparo Alcala, leading a group of pilgrims from Valencia, Spain. “He is doing great things, especially for women in the Church. We are praying for his recovery and that he might come back, if this is God’s will.”

Meanwhile, children undergoing treatment at the hospital’s oncology ward sent drawings and cards to Francis, lifting his spirits as he continues his fight against illness.

Final Thoughts: A Resilient Pontiff

Despite his serious condition, Pope Francis has shown resilience, continuing his daily routines and receiving the Eucharist. The Vatican has emphasized his determination to carry on, with Rev. Enzo Fortunato noting, “Pope Francis is a strong man who does not let difficulties get him down.”

As the world watches and prays, the pope’s health remains a focal point of concern, with hope for a steady recovery in the days to come.

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