Pope Francis has returned to the Vatican after a challenging five-week battle with pneumonia, marking the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy. The 88-year-old pontiff, visibly weak and requiring supplemental oxygen, was discharged from Gemelli hospital on Sunday. Before heading home, he made an unexpected stop at St. Mary Major basilica, where he offered flowers to the revered Salus populi Romani icon, a Byzantine-style painting of the Madonna.
As his motorcade entered Vatican City, crowds gathered, chanting “Viva il papa!” and expressing their relief at his recovery. Doctors had previously announced his release, emphasizing the need for two months of rest and limited physical exertion. While Francis will continue taking medication for a lingering fungal infection in his lungs, physicians remain hopeful that he will gradually regain strength.
Francis’ hospitalization was marked by two life-threatening crises. Initially admitted on February 14 due to worsening bronchitis, he was diagnosed with a complex bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory infection. The situation deteriorated when pneumonia developed in both lungs, accompanied by anemia and early signs of kidney failure. His condition became critical on February 28 when he suffered a severe coughing fit, inhaled vomit, and required a mechanical ventilation mask. Further complications necessitated manual aspiration of mucus from his lungs. However, despite these challenges, he remained conscious and cooperative throughout his treatment.
Reflecting on his recovery, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of Francis’ medical team, acknowledged the gravity of his condition, stating, “Not all patients who develop such a severe case of double pneumonia survive.” However, he recalled the moment they knew Francis was improving: “We asked him how he was doing, and when he replied, ‘I’m still alive,’ we knew he had gotten his good humor back.”
While the Vatican has not confirmed his attendance at upcoming events, including Easter services or a meeting with King Charles III, doctors remain optimistic that he may recover in time for a planned visit to Turkey in late May. For now, the pope is focused on rest and recovery, ensuring he can resume his duties as spiritual leader to millions worldwide.
