Pope Francis Returns to Vatican After Hospital Stay
hospital-release-angelus-appearance/” title=”Pope Francis leaves …, makes first public appearance – The …”>Pope Francis Returns to vatican After Pneumonia
The pontiff spent more than five weeks in the hospital.
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after more than five weeks of hospitalization for pneumonia. Before departing, he thanked hundreds of supporters from a hospital balcony.
Thank you all,
the 88-year-old pontiff said in a weak voice during the brief public appearance, his first since Feb. 14. He was in a wheelchair.
The crowd, gathered in front of gemelli Hospital, responded with cheers and applause.
I see this lady with yellow flowers, as she is kind,
he added with a slight smile, his features drawn. He then raised his arms,which were covered with bandages.
Shortly after 12:15 p.m. (11:15 a.m. GMT), the vehicle transporting him slowed as it left the hospital, allowing Francis, seated in the front passenger seat and receiving oxygen, to greet the faithful.
After a detour to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome,a place he frequently enough visits to pray,the Pope arrived at the Vatican shortly before 12 noon GMT.
The Holy father gave us everyone a stunning sign of hope by facing this disease. I hope that [the cheers of the faithful] bolstered his morale, said Larry James Kulick, bishop of Greensburg in Pennsylvania.
Return to Vatican
The proclamation of the Pope’s return to the Vatican,his fourth and longest hospitalization since his election in 2013,was made Saturday evening by his medical team.
Upon his release, the Pope was described as very happy
and had been asking when he could return, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri at a press conference.
Alfieri cautioned that the Pope faces a long convalescence
of at least two months once back in the Vatican.
The Pope’s release comes after two weeks of steady betterment, though doctors noted he had lost weight.
Questions had arisen regarding his ability to resume his regular activities.
Dr. Alfieri dismissed the prospect of a quick return to his normal schedule, stating, During the convalescence period, he will not be able to honor his usual daily meetings.
This clarification is notable, as the Pope has maintained a demanding schedule of meetings, religious celebrations, and travel.
Having received respiratory assistance for several weeks, the leader of more than 1.4 billion catholics will continue rehabilitation to regain full use of his voice.
Recovery Time
When you suffer from bilateral pneumonia, your lungs have been damaged and your respiratory muscles have also been in difficulty,
said Dr. Alfieri. It will take time for the voice to become the same again.
Having a history of respiratory infections and a portion of a lung removed in his youth, the Pope was not declared out of danger until nearly a month into his hospitalization.
Doctors reported that Jorge Bergoglio experienced two very critical
moments where his life was in danger, but he was never intubated
and remained aware and alert.
The Pope received messages of support, drawings, and prayers from around the world.He had not been seen in public since his admission to the hospital. The Vatican released a photo on March 16 showing him praying in his apartment’s chapel, fueling speculation about his condition.
The Vatican also broadcast a short audio message on March 6 in which the Pope thanked the faithful for their prayers.
The Pope’s illness and extended hospitalization, totaling 37 days, raised questions about who would lead religious events leading up to Easter, which falls on April 20 this year. The Vatican stated on Wednesday that no decisions had been made regarding this matter.
# Pope Francis Returns to Vatican After Pneumonia: Your Questions Answered
## What Happened to Pope Francis?
pope Francis was hospitalized for pneumonia. He was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14, 2025, due to a bout of bronchitis. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia.
## When did Pope Francis Return to the Vatican?
Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday, March 23, 2025, after spending more than five weeks in the hospital.
## How Long Was Pope Francis Hospitalized?
Pope Francis was hospitalized for 37 days.
## What Medical Treatments Did Pope Francis Receive?
The Pope received respiratory assistance for several weeks.
## What is Pope Francis’s Condition Now?
While the Pope has returned to the Vatican,he faces a “long convalescence” of at least two months. Doctors noted he lost weight during his hospitalization. He will also need to continue rehabilitation to regain full use of his voice. His medical team has stated that he will not be able to honor his usual daily meetings during his recovery.
## What Did the Doctors Say About Pope Francis’s Recovery?
Dr. sergio Alfieri stated that due to bilateral pneumonia, the Pope’s lungs were damaged, and his respiratory muscles were also affected. It will take time for his voice to return to normal.
## Has Pope Francis Had Other Hospitalizations?
This hospitalization was the Pope’s fourth and longest since his election in 2013.
## Did Pope Francis face Any life-Threatening Situations?
Doctors reported that the Pope experienced two ”very critical” moments where his life was in danger. However, he was never intubated and remained aware and alert.
## What Has the Vatican Said about Pope Francis’s Recovery?
The Vatican stated on Wednesday that no decisions had been made regarding who would lead religious events leading up to Easter.
## Key Events Timeline:
| Date | Event | Details |
| —————- | ———————————————————————– | ———————————————————————————————————————————– |
| February 14, 2025 | Pope Francis admitted to Gemelli Hospital | Due to bronchitis, later diagnosed with pneumonia. |
| March 6, 2025 | Vatican broadcasts audio message | The Pope thanked the faithful for their prayers. |
| March 16, 2025 | Vatican releases a photo | Showing him praying in his apartment’s chapel. |
| March 23, 2025 | Pope Francis returns to the Vatican | After more than five weeks of hospitalization. |