Vatican City: Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday following a five-week stay at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he battled double pneumonia in what has been described as the most severe health crisis of his 12-year papacy.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who made his first public appearance since February 14 just before his discharge, left the hospital shortly after noon. His car, accompanied by police escorts, took a brief detour to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a site of deep personal devotion where he regularly offers prayers.
Although Francis has been discharged, doctors have cautioned that his recovery will be prolonged. They have advised at least two months of rest at the Vatican, warning that he should avoid large gatherings and physically demanding engagements. This raises questions about how much of his scheduled papal duties he will be able to fulfill in the coming months.
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican after a five-week battle in hospital against double pneumonia that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy https://t.co/fqWzMDIpPk pic.twitter.com/6iI8Ee5OlA
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 23, 2025
Before departing the hospital, Pope Francis greeted a small group of well-wishers gathered outside. Seated in a wheelchair, he smiled and waved to the crowd. His face appeared swollen, and bandages were visible on both arms beneath his white cassock. His voice, though frail, carried warmth as he briefly addressed the crowd, thanking 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, a devoted visitor who had come daily with yellow flowers. “My heart was bursting when the pope noticed me,” Mancuso told Reuters.
During his hospital stay, Francis was seen by the public only once, in a photograph released by the Vatican last week, showing him at prayer in the hospital chapel. Throughout his treatment, he relied on supplemental oxygen to aid his breathing but was seen breathing independently during his public appearance. However, a small oxygen hose remained visible under his nose while he traveled in his car.
In the moments leading up to his appearance, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the hospital, chanting his name: “Francis, Francis, Francis”.
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was initially admitted to the hospital for bronchitis, which later progressed into double pneumonia. His medical team described the infection as “complex”, involving multiple microorganisms. Over the course of his 38-day hospitalization, he suffered four acute respiratory crises, marked by severe coughing fits that restricted his airways in a manner similar to asthma attacks. Two of these episodes were deemed life-threatening, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of the pope’s medical team.
Although Francis is no longer battling pneumonia, Alfieri noted that he remains in a delicate state. It will take time for the pope to fully regain his voice after such a prolonged respiratory illness. On Sunday, the Vatican released a brief message prepared by Francis, in which he expressed gratitude to his medical team for their “tireless care”.
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Around the world, Catholics had been praying for the pope’s recovery. In St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, many expressed relief and joy at his return. “This discharge cheers us all up and gives us joy and hope,” said Italian pilgrim Grazia Mara. “We wish him a safe return home and a speedy recovery.”
Despite his hospitalization, Francis continued to lead the Church remotely. He oversaw the appointment of new Catholic bishops and launched a significant three-year reform initiative for the global Church. However, his mandated rest period is expected to affect the Vatican’s upcoming schedule.
The pope had been set to meet with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and lead the Vatican’s Easter celebrations on April 20. The Vatican has yet to confirm whether he will be able to fulfill these commitments.
