Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after a five-week battle with double pneumonia, returning to the Vatican to continue his recovery. The 88-year-old pontiff, who appeared frail, made his first public appearance in weeks, waving to onlookers and giving a thumbs-up from a hospital balcony. Despite struggling to speak and raise his arms, he addressed the crowd, thanked them, and blessed them, showing moments of alertness.
Admitted on February 14 for a severe respiratory infection, Francis was later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. His medical team confirmed his condition had stabilized, allowing him to convalesce at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, for the next two months. During his hospitalization, Francis was seen only once in a photo released by the Vatican, showing him praying in the hospital chapel.
Though he has not led the Angelus prayer for six Sundays, he has shared weekly reflections. In a recent message, he expressed gratitude for the care he received and called for peace in Gaza, urging an end to violence and the resumption of talks between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized the importance of patience and faith during difficult times.
Doctors revealed that Francis faced two life-threatening episodes during his 38-day stay. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, head of his medical team, stressed the importance of a two-month recovery period, during which the pope will gradually resume work but avoid large gatherings. Dr. Luigi Carbone noted that while Francis no longer has pneumonia, he continues to recover from other infections and requires ongoing treatment and physiotherapy.
Despite his health challenges, Francis has remained determined, resuming some work activities and approving a new three-year reform process for the Catholic Church. The reforms aim to expand roles for women and increase lay participation in governance.
His discharge has been met with global relief, with senior Vatican officials suggesting the hospitalization prompted deep reflection. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, a close aide, described this as a “new stage” for the pope, who will need rehabilitation to strengthen his voice and adjust his schedule. Fernández expressed confidence that Francis’s experience would yield positive outcomes for the Church and the world.
