Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, having spent over five weeks receiving treatment for pneumonia. The pontiff, appearing fatigued but grateful, thanked supporters gathered outside the Gemelli hospital and waved to the crowd from a balcony.
This marked the first time the Argentine pope has been seen in public since February 14, when he was admitted to the hospital due to respiratory issues and breathing difficulties that escalated into pneumonia. “Thank you, everyone,” the pope said with a soft voice into a microphone, as he waved from his wheelchair and occasionally gave a thumbs-up.
After making a brief appearance on the balcony, he was discharged immediately, leaving the hospital in a car while waving to journalists through a closed window. He was observed wearing a nasal cannula, a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen.
Following his release, Pope Francis visited Santa Maria Maggiore, a church in Rome that holds special significance for him, before returning to his residence at Santa Marta in the Vatican. Medical professionals indicated that the pontiff’s health has improved enough for him to return home, but he will require a lengthy recovery period of at least two months. Francis, who had previously undergone surgery to remove a lung as a young man, also lost weight during his hospitalization.
The pope‘s deteriorating health has led to speculation regarding his potential resignation, similar to that of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. The hospital stay was marked by respiratory crises that necessitated bronchoscopies to clear his lungs and a blood transfusion.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the pope’s doctors, explained that recovering at home is preferable to remaining in a clinical environment, which can introduce additional health risks. However, he made it clear that the pontiff would not be resuming his regular activities anytime soon. “Convalescence is a time for rest,” Alfieri stated.
With Easter—one of the most important periods in the Christian liturgical calendar—approaching, questions arise about who will assume leadership for the numerous religious ceremonies scheduled. The pope has not participated in the weekly Angelus prayers for five consecutive weeks. When questioned about rumors of the pope’s possible resignation, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin firmly responded, “No, no, no. Absolutely not.”
Meanwhile, well-wishers have been showing their support by leaving flowers, candles, and notes outside Gemelli hospital. During the most serious phases of his illness, Pope Francis required assisted breathing through nasal tubes and an oxygen mask, and he experienced two critical moments where his life was considered at risk. Fortunately, he remained conscious during these times and was eventually declared out of danger after a month-long treatment.
Because of the pneumonia, the pope will need physiotherapy to restore his vocal function. Dr. Alfieri noted, “Bilateral pneumonia damages the lungs and strains respiratory muscles, and it takes time for the voice to regain its normal state.” Despite not being in public since February 14, the Vatican released a photograph on March 16 showing the pope praying in a hospital chapel. Additionally, an audio message featuring his weak voice was shared on March 6, where he expressed gratitude to those praying for his recovery.
