Pope Francis reappears after recovering from severe pneumonia

As reported by BBC

Here are the details

Pope Francis made his first public appearance this Sunday after spending more than a month hospitalized at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he was treated for double pneumonia that had left him in critical condition.

From one of the hospital balconies, Francis greeted dozens of faithful who had gathered to support him through this difficult time.

Minutes later, under tight security, the Holy Father left the hospital and returned to his residence in the Vatican.

According to the Vatican, Francis, 88, was discharged after overcoming the respiratory infection that had kept him hospitalized since February 14.

Critical Moments and Medical Progress of Pope Francis

? The Pope gave a thumbs-up and greeted the crowd! After more than a month in the hospital with bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis made his first public appearance from Rome’s Gemelli Clinic, shortly before being discharged. At 88 years old, the Pope raised his… pic.twitter.com/2jvtx46pqn

– Infobae Peru (@infobaeperu) March 23, 2025

During his stay, Pope Francis experienced two critical episodes in which his life was at risk, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the physicians in charge of his care.

However, Alfieri clarified that the Pope was never intubated and remained alert and responsive throughout his treatment.

He added that although the Pope has shown significant improvement, he is not yet fully recovered.

“Patients with double pneumonia often temporarily lose their voice, and in elderly individuals, recovery can take longer,” he explained.

Cardinal Víctor Fernández also commented on the Pope’s condition, noting that the high-flow oxygen used during treatment dries out the throat, which has affected his voice.

“The Pope will have to relearn how to speak fluently,” Fernández said last Friday.

Pope Francis Reappears After Recovering from Severe Pneumonia

Pope Francis left the hospital. By the grace of José Gregorio. https://t.co/yb5xxmsle7

– Keta Stephany (@sketa0) March 23, 2025

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has shown significant improvement in both breathing and mobility.

He no longer requires mechanical ventilation at night and now uses a small oxygen tube under his nose during the day to help with breathing.

Until now, his only public appearance had been a photograph released by the Vatican, showing him praying in the hospital chapel.

In early March, an audio message in Spanish was played in St. Peter’s Square, in which he thanked the Catholic faithful for their prayers, although his voice still sounded weak and hoarse.

A Life Marked by Health Challenges

Pope Francis gives blessing from hospital before returning to the Vatican

Pope Francis made his first public appearance at noon this Sunday after 38 days of hospitalization with bilateral pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital… https://t.co/ymaahtkvts pic.twitter.com/LS5LW9HWW6

— René del Valle B. La Aldea (de la Información) (@renedelvalleb) March 23, 2025

Pope Francis, who has led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, has faced multiple health challenges throughout his life.

At age 21, he had part of a lung removed, which has made him more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

His return to the Vatican marks a significant step in his recovery, and if progress continues, doctors believe the Pope may be able to resume his pastoral duties in the coming days.

Meanwhile, millions of faithful around the world continue to pray for his full and speedy recovery.

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