After five weeks in the hospital, Pope Francis has been discharged and urges prayers for continued recovery.
Pope Francis Leaves Hospital, Calls for a Period of Rest
Pope Francis Leaves Hospital, Calls for a Period of Rest
Pontiff thanks well-wishers after critical health episodes and appears to address crowds.
In a heartwarming moment, Pope Francis appeared at the window of the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Sunday to greet supporters and offer a blessing for the first time since his admission on February 14. The 88-year-old pontiff, who was discharged shortly after addressing the gathered crowd, has been advised by doctors to take a minimum of two months of rest at the Vatican following two critical health incidents that put his life at risk.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope's treating physicians, confirmed that while Francis was never intubated and remained alert throughout his hospital stay, he is not fully healed yet. However, he has overcome pneumonia and is expected to resume his duties as soon as his recovery trajectory remains positive.
Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his joy upon witnessing the Pope's discharge, calling it "a great gift to the city and to the world." Gualtieri emphasized the city's solidarity with the pontiff, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
Outside the hospital, crowds had gathered to witness the Pope's return to public life. "I felt just overjoyed to see him," remarked Bishop Larry Kulick from Pennsylvania. Italian singer Ilaria Della Bidia spoke of the "heavenly" love shared in the crowd, while Brazilian visitor Ana Matos said witnessing the Pope's recovery felt like the joy of childbirth.
Prior to this appearance, the Pope had mostly been seen in a photograph released by the Vatican, where he was captured in prayer at the hospital chapel. Earlier in the month, he had an audio message played in St. Peter's Square, expressing gratitude for the prayers of the Catholic faithful.
Having led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, Pope Francis has weathered several health challenges throughout his life, including a partial lung removal at age 21, which has made him more susceptible to infections.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the Pope's treating physicians, confirmed that while Francis was never intubated and remained alert throughout his hospital stay, he is not fully healed yet. However, he has overcome pneumonia and is expected to resume his duties as soon as his recovery trajectory remains positive.
Rome's Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his joy upon witnessing the Pope's discharge, calling it "a great gift to the city and to the world." Gualtieri emphasized the city's solidarity with the pontiff, highlighting the emotional weight of the moment.
Outside the hospital, crowds had gathered to witness the Pope's return to public life. "I felt just overjoyed to see him," remarked Bishop Larry Kulick from Pennsylvania. Italian singer Ilaria Della Bidia spoke of the "heavenly" love shared in the crowd, while Brazilian visitor Ana Matos said witnessing the Pope's recovery felt like the joy of childbirth.
Prior to this appearance, the Pope had mostly been seen in a photograph released by the Vatican, where he was captured in prayer at the hospital chapel. Earlier in the month, he had an audio message played in St. Peter's Square, expressing gratitude for the prayers of the Catholic faithful.
Having led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, Pope Francis has weathered several health challenges throughout his life, including a partial lung removal at age 21, which has made him more susceptible to infections.
