After a grueling battle against double pneumonia and a bout of kidney failure, Pope Francis has triumphantly returned to the Vatican. His courageous fight over the past five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli hospital marked the most serious health challenge of his 12-year papacy.
According to a Reuters report, “The 88-year-old pope, who also made his first public appearance since February 14 before being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital, left the facility shortly after noon. A car carrying the pontiff was accompanied by police vehicles through Rome, making a short detour to take flowers to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a church to which Francis has a special devotion and visits frequently.”
This recent hospital stay has proven to be the gravest health crisis of Francis’ papacy. His doctors have informed him that full recovery will take time.
Prescribed a further two months of rest at the Vatican, the Pope is advised to avoid large or stressful meetings, raising questions about his schedule in the coming months.
“Just before leaving the hospital on Sunday, Francis smiled and waved at a group of well-wishers gathered outside. He used a wheelchair, as he has done for several years,” the report states.
In a brief balcony appearance, Francis appeared with a ‘swollen’ face, yet notably, he was breathing unassisted, and bandages were visible on both arms beneath his white garments.
In a show of gratitude, Francis spoke briefly with a feeble voice to thank 79-year-old Carmela Vittoria Mancuso in the crowd below. She had visited the hospital daily during his treatment and brought yellow flowers for him, expressing that her heart ‘was bursting’ when the pope acknowledged her.
BREAKING: Pope Francis makes his first public appearance after spending several weeks in the hospital.
— The General (@GeneralMCNews)
March 23, 2025
