MONDAY March 24, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after spending more than five weeks undergoing treatment for pneumonia. The 87-year-old pontiff, appearing frail but in good spirits, waved to the gathered crowd from a hospital balcony before departing for the Vatican.
In his first public appearance since February 14, Francis, seated in a wheelchair, acknowledged the well-wishers below.
“Thank you, everyone,” he said softly into a microphone, offering a gentle wave and a thumbs-up. Spotting a woman holding yellow flowers, he smiled faintly and commented, “I can see that woman with yellow flowers; well done,” drawing laughter from the crowd.
Shortly after, the pope left the hospital by car, waving from behind a closed window. Observers noted that he was still wearing a nasal cannula for oxygen support, underscoring his ongoing health concerns.
Doctors have confirmed that while Francis is well enough to return home, his recovery could take at least two months. Vatican officials have yet to clarify how this will affect his upcoming duties, particularly in the lead-up to Easter, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the pope’s physicians, emphasized the need for rest.
“Convalescence, by definition, is a period of rest. He will not be able to take on his usual daily appointments for now,” he said. Alfieri also noted that hospitals, despite their medical advantages, are not ideal for recovery due to the risk of further infections.
During his hospital stay, Francis underwent multiple medical procedures, including bronchoscopies to clear his lungs and a blood transfusion.
At the height of his illness, he experienced severe respiratory distress, requiring assisted breathing with nasal tubes and an oxygen mask.
Given the pope’s deteriorating health, speculation has mounted about a possible resignation—following the precedent set by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. However, Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin dismissed such rumors, stating emphatically, “No, no, no. Absolutely not.”
Despite reassurances, questions linger over whether Francis will be able to preside over upcoming religious events or if senior Vatican officials will step in during his recovery.
Global Support and Prayers
Since his hospitalization, Catholics worldwide have offered prayers for the pope’s recovery. Outside Gemelli Hospital, well-wishers left flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes.
On March 16, the Vatican released a photo of Francis praying in his hospital room’s chapel, and earlier, on March 6, an audio recording was shared in which he thanked the faithful for their prayers—his voice noticeably weak.
Although now out of immediate danger, Francis’ medical team has warned that pneumonia has weakened his respiratory muscles, meaning he will need physiotherapy to fully regain his voice.
As the pope settles back into the Vatican, all eyes remain on his health and how it will impact the future of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis Discharged from Hospital After Five Weeks, Faces Long Recovery
