Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after spending five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was being treated for a severe case of double pneumonia. His return comes after what has been described as the most critical health episode of his papacy, which began in 2013. The 88-year-old pontiff made a brief public appearance before departing the hospital, marking his first sighting by the public since mid-February. He smiled and waved at a crowd of well-wishers, using a wheelchair and speaking with a noticeably weak voice, before being transported back to Vatican City under police escort. His vehicle made a brief stop at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he left flowers—a tradition he has maintained during significant moments of his pontificate.
Doctors have confirmed that although the pope is no longer suffering from pneumonia, he still requires significant recovery time. Medical staff have advised him to rest for at least two more months and to avoid any stressful or large-scale gatherings, which raises questions about how active he will be in the coming weeks. The prolonged period of rest may impact major upcoming events on the Vatican calendar, including a scheduled meeting with King Charles of the United Kingdom and the annual Easter celebrations, both set for April. The Vatican has yet to confirm whether these events will proceed as planned.
The pope’s health crisis began with what initially seemed like a mild case of bronchitis but rapidly escalated into double pneumonia. According to his medical team, the infection was complex, involving several different microorganisms, and led to multiple respiratory crises during his hospital stay. At least two of these episodes were life-threatening, with the pope experiencing severe coughing fits and breathing difficulties that resembled asthma attacks. He was placed on oxygen support during most of his time in hospital but was seen breathing on his own during his brief public appearance, albeit with a small oxygen hose visible under his nose while in transit.
Despite his serious illness, Pope Francis remained engaged with his duties from his hospital room. He continued appointing Catholic bishops and initiated a new three-year reform process aimed at addressing various structural and spiritual challenges within the Church. Nonetheless, the necessity for a prolonged rest period signals that he may have to delegate more responsibilities or temporarily scale back his public engagements. His face appeared visibly swollen during his appearance, and bandages on his arms were noted beneath his traditional white cassock, indicating ongoing treatment.
Many Catholics around the world have expressed relief at the pope’s discharge and gratitude for his improving condition. Pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square voiced joy and hope upon hearing of his return. In a brief message released by the Vatican, Pope Francis thanked the medical staff for their dedication and care during his illness. His recovery remains a matter of global attention, as millions of faithful continue to pray for his health while the Vatican adapts to a period of uncertainty regarding his ability to lead in the immediate future.
