Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital and returned to the Vatican on Sunday following a five-week battle with double pneumonia, marking the most serious health crisis of his papacy.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who had not made a public appearance since February 14, left the hospital just after noon. Before heading back to the Vatican, he made a brief stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a church he frequently visits, to place flowers there, reports Reuters.
Though Francis is back, his doctors have cautioned that recovery will take time. They have advised him to rest for at least two more months and avoid large or stressful meetings, leaving uncertainty about his schedule in the coming months.
Before leaving the hospital, Francis greeted a small group of well-wishers outside. He smiled and waved from his wheelchair, his face appearing swollen, with visible bandages on both arms under his white cassock. His voice remained weak, but he thanked Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, a 79-year-old woman who had visited the hospital daily during his stay. She later told Reuters that her “heart was bursting” when the pope acknowledged her.
During his hospitalization, Francis had been seen publicly only once in a Vatican-released photo showing him praying in a hospital chapel. He had been receiving oxygen throughout his stay, and while he was breathing independently on Sunday, he was seen using a small oxygen hose under his nose while traveling by car.
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the hospital, chanting “Francis, Francis, Francis” before his departure.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was initially hospitalized for bronchitis, which later developed into double pneumonia due to a complex infection involving multiple microorganisms. Over the course of his 38-day stay, he endured four severe respiratory crises, two of which were life-threatening, according to Sergio Alfieri, the head of his medical team. These crises, similar to asthma attacks, caused serious coughing fits and airway constrictions.
While no longer battling pneumonia, Francis has not fully recovered. Alfieri noted that regaining his voice will take time after such a prolonged respiratory illness.
On Sunday, the Vatican released a short message from the pope in which he expressed gratitude to his doctors for their "tireless care."
Many Catholics around the world had been praying for his recovery, and pilgrims at the Vatican expressed relief at his release.
“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, appointing bishops and launching a new three-year reform process. However, his prescribed period of rest may lead to changes in the Vatican’s schedule.
Francis had been expected to meet with Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and lead Easter celebrations on April 20. The Vatican has not confirmed whether he will be able to attend these events.
