Pope Francis was discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Sunday after a five-week stay following a serious health scare. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had been admitted on February 14, appeared at the hospital window to offer a blessing before his departure.
Doctors said Pope Francis experienced “two very critical episodes” during his hospitalization that put his life in danger. However, he was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout his treatment, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his attending physicians.
Although not fully recovered, the Pope no longer has pneumonia and will continue his recuperation at the Vatican, where doctors recommend at least two months of rest. If his recovery trend continues, he is expected to resume work as soon as possible.
A large crowd gathered outside the hospital to witness Pope Francis’ departure. Many expressed relief and joy at seeing him well enough to leave.
“When I saw him, I felt, to be honest, a little relieved,” said Bishop Larry Kulick from the Diocese of Greensburg in Pennsylvania.
Ilaria Della Bidia, a singer from Rome, described the atmosphere as deeply emotional. “I cried the whole time because the love we breathed in this little square of the hospital was like heaven.”
Ana Matos, who had just arrived from Brazil, recounted the moment she saw the Pope. “It was an amazing feeling, like when I had my son. I was so happy to see him healthy and smiling.”
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 one lung removed, making him more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
Earlier this month, an audio message from the Pope was played in St. Peter’s Square, in which he thanked the faithful for their prayers. His voice sounded breathless, highlighting the toll of his illness.
The only previous public sighting of Pope Francis during his hospitalization was in a Vatican-released photograph, showing him praying in a hospital chapel.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri described his release as a “great gift to the city and to the world,” adding, “We support him and feel really close to him.”
