Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he spent more than five weeks receiving treatment for breathing difficulties.
Before leaving, he took a moment to express gratitude to well-wishers for their support.
Appearing frail and fatigued, the 87-year-old pontiff sat in a wheelchair on a hospital balcony, softly waving to hundreds of people gathered below. Pilgrims chanted his name, marking his first public appearance since his admission on February 14 due to respiratory issues that later developed into pneumonia.
“Thank you, everyone,” Francis said in a weak voice through a microphone, occasionally giving a thumbs-up. Spotting a woman holding yellow flowers, he smiled and remarked, “I can see that woman with yellow flowers—well done,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
The pope, who had visible bags under his eyes, remained on the balcony for about two minutes before leaving the hospital. He was seen departing in a white Fiat 500L, wearing a nasal cannula for oxygen support.
Before returning to the Vatican, he made a brief stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a tradition he follows before and after his trips.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the pope’s return, expressing her “affection and gratitude for his tireless commitment and precious guidance” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
This marked Francis’ fourth and longest hospitalization since his election in 2013. Having previously lost part of a lung as a young man, he underwent a series of medical procedures during his stay, including bronchoscopies to clear his lungs and a blood transfusion. Doctors confirmed he faced two critical moments where his life was at risk, requiring assisted breathing and oxygen therapy.
Despite doing light work while hospitalized, doctors have advised against public engagements in the coming weeks. “Further recovery will take place at home because, ironically, a hospital is the worst place to heal due to the risk of infections,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his physicians. He added that Francis’ convalescence will last at least two months.
Speculation about a possible resignation, similar to his predecessor Benedict XVI, has grown amid concerns over his declining health. However, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed such rumors, stating, “No, no, no. Absolutely not.”
As Easter approaches—the holiest season in the Christian calendar—questions remain about who will lead the major religious celebrations. While Francis is expected to gradually resume his duties, doctors say he will require physiotherapy to regain his voice fully after the strain of pneumonia.
“It takes time for the voice to return to normal,” Dr. Alfieri explained.
For now, the pope’s public schedule remains uncertain as he focuses on recovery.# —with reports from AFP
