(VitalNews.org) – As health concerns continue over the 88-year-old after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening pneumonia, Pope Francis returns to the Vatican.
Watch the video down below.
The aging Holy Father has grown frail, requiring two months of rest after surviving four respiratory crises.
Following the second-longest hospital stay in recent papal history, Pope Francis was finally discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital.
The 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of his right lung removed in his 20s, battled severe respiratory infection and bilateral pneumonia since his admission on February 14.
Before leaving the hospital, Francis appeared briefly on a balcony to bless the gathered crowd.
Despite his obvious weakness, he managed to acknowledge his supporters. “I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” the pontiff remarked.
The Pope’s health crisis was more severe than initially reported. During his lengthy hospitalization, Francis suffered four acute respiratory crises, with two being life-threatening.
These episodes required oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilator support, taking a toll on his already fragile respiratory system.
His voice remains weak from the extended oxygen treatment, though doctors expect gradual improvement.
On his journey back to the Vatican, Francis made two unexpected stops. He visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to pray before returning to his residence. He also paused to greet a local woman walking her dog near the Vatican.
“I live here up on the street. I just told him welcome back home,” said Stefania, the woman who encountered the Pope during his return journey.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led the medical team treating Francis, emphasized that the pontiff would need substantial time for a full recovery.
The Pope now faces a two-month recovery period at Casa Santa Marta within the Vatican.
There, he will continue medication for a fungal lung infection and undergo respiratory and physical therapy.
Despite no special arrangements being made at his residence, Francis will have access to medical care as needed.
Dr. Luigi Carbone revealed the Pope’s eagerness to return home, saying, “For three or four days he’s been asking when he can go home, so he’s very happy.”
The only other pontiff with a comparable hospital stay was Pope John Paul II, who spent 55 days at Gemelli in 1981 following an assassination attempt.
Francis’ extended absence comes during the Catholic Holy Year, which is expected to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
Still, Vatican officials claim his hospitalization has not significantly impacted pilgrim numbers.
Although Francis is expected to eventually resume his normal activities, his advancing age and serious health issues remain obvious concerns.
Pope Francis has made his first public appearance in over a month
He blessed the crowd and spoke to them
He now returns to the Vatican
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) March 23, 2025
Copyright 2025, VitalNews.org
