Pope Francis has been discharged from the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after spending more than five weeks undergoing treatment for pneumonia.
The 87-year-old pontiff, looking frail but in good spirits, waved to well-wishers as he left the hospital and returned to his residence at the Vatican, where he is expected to continue his recovery for at least two months.
A Weak but Grateful Pope Greets Supporters
In his first public appearance since being admitted on February 14, Pope Francis was seen sitting in a wheelchair on a hospital balcony, acknowledging the hundreds of people who had gathered below to show their support.
With a soft but sincere smile, he raised his hand in a gesture of gratitude and spoke briefly into a microphone.
“Thank you, everyone,” the pope said in a weak voice, his hands resting on his lap. He occasionally lifted one hand to wave and even gave a thumbs-up to the cheering crowd. Spotting a woman holding yellow flowers, he smiled and said, “I can see that woman with yellow flowers, well done,” prompting laughter among the onlookers.
After a short two-minute appearance, the pontiff was wheeled back inside, and shortly after, he left the hospital in a car.
As he was driven past journalists and supporters, he waved from the closed window of the front seat.
A nasal cannula, used to provide supplemental oxygen, was visible in his nostrils, underscoring the severity of his recent health struggles.
A Return to the Vatican via a Favorite Church
Before heading directly to his residence, the pope made a stop at Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his favorite churches in Rome.
It has been his tradition to visit the church for prayer before and after major trips or events. After a brief moment of reflection there, he proceeded to the Vatican, where he arrived safely at his home, Casa Santa Marta.
Weeks of Uncertainty and Intensive Treatment
The pope’s hospitalization was marked by serious health concerns. Initially admitted due to breathing difficulties, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia. His condition deteriorated at times, requiring multiple medical interventions. Doctors performed bronchoscopies to clear mucus from his lungs and administered a blood transfusion to support his recovery.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the pope’s attending physicians, addressed the media on Saturday, confirming that the pontiff’s condition had improved sufficiently for him to leave the hospital. However, he emphasized that Pope Francis still faces a lengthy recovery period.
“Further progress will take place at his home because a hospital—even if this seems strange—is the worst place to recover, as it’s where you can contract more infections,” Alfieri explained.
Despite signs of improvement, the pontiff has lost a significant amount of weight during his hospitalization. His weakened state has raised concerns about his ability to return to his demanding schedule as the leader of the Catholic Church.
Resignation Rumors and the Pope’s Future
The frailty of Pope Francis has reignited discussions about the possibility of his resignation. His predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, set a modern precedent by stepping down in 2013 due to declining health.
Now, with the current pontiff’s condition appearing increasingly delicate, speculation is mounting as to whether he might choose to do the same.
While Pope Francis has previously dismissed resignation rumors, he has acknowledged the toll that age and illness have taken on him.
Over the past year, he has relied more on a wheelchair due to knee issues and has frequently canceled engagements due to health setbacks.
For now, however, Vatican officials insist that the pope remains committed to his duties.
Alfieri noted that while the pope would not be returning to his full schedule immediately, he would continue working from his residence, focusing on rest and gradual rehabilitation.
A Period of Rest and Reflection
Pope Francis’s recovery is expected to take at least two months, during which he will likely limit his public appearances. His next major commitments include the Easter celebrations, an event of great significance in the Catholic calendar. Vatican insiders suggest that while he may not lead the full liturgical events, he could still play a symbolic role in the ceremonies.
As the Catholic world prays for his continued recovery, the pope’s time away from public life may also provide an opportunity for reflection on the future of his papacy.
Whether he chooses to step down or persevere despite his health challenges, his leadership remains central to the direction of the Catholic Church.
For now, the pope has returned home, with the hope that his time in the Vatican will bring him strength and healing.
