Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday after spending over five weeks in the hospital, where he faced a severe case of pneumonia that doctors indicated twice threatened his life. This marks a significant moment for the Roman Catholic Church leader.
The 88-year-old pontiff delivered a Sunday blessing from Rome’s Gemelli hospital. The Vatican’s broadcaster also read a statement from the pontiff issued by the Holy See Press Office.
In his statement, Pope Francis expressed his sadness over the resurgence of heavy Israeli bombing in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the courage to resume dialogue to ensure the release of all hostages and to reach a final ceasefire. He emphasized that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire and requires urgent attention from both the conflicting parties and the international community.
The pope also expressed his satisfaction that Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a final text of their peace agreement, stating, “I hope it will be signed soon, contributing to lasting peace in the South Caucasus.”
POPE FRANCIS SET TO BE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL ON SUNDAY: DOCTORS
He conveyed his gratitude to those who have been praying for him. “Thank you very much. I pray for you too. Together, let us pray for an end to wars and for peace, especially in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” he wrote. “May the Virgin Mary keep you and accompany us on our journey towards Easter.”
A large crowd gathered at the main entry piazza of Gemelli Hospital, including patients who were wheeled outside to see him. The pope, seated in a wheelchair, waved and smiled from the balcony.
He briefly spoke into a microphone, recognizing a woman in the crowd who held up yellow flowers for him. Doctors noted that his voice has weakened due to his illness.
The Holy Father gave a thumbs-up and made the sign of the cross to the crowd. Following this, he was discharged from the hospital and will return to the Vatican for at least two months of rest, rehabilitation, and convalescence.
This discharge follows 38 days of medical ups and downs, which led to concerns about a potential papal resignation or funeral.
In his written message, the pope referenced the parable in this Sunday’s Gospel, which “tells us about the patience of God, who urges us to make our life a time of conversion.”
“Jesus uses the image of a barren fruit tree which has not borne the anticipated fruit, and the farmer does not want to cut it down. He desires to fertilize it so that it may bear fruit in the future. This patient farmer reflects the Lord, who tends to the soil of our lives with care and awaits our return to Him,” the pope wrote. “During my hospitalization, I experienced the Lord’s patience, reflected in the tireless care of the doctors and healthcare workers, as well as in the hopes of the sick’s relatives. This patience anchored in God’s unfailing love is essential, especially in the face of difficult and painful situations.”
Doctors announced his planned release at a Saturday evening news conference, advising that the Holy Father should avoid meeting large groups or exerting himself, but they believe he will eventually return to all normal activities. This hospitalization was the longest of his 12-year papacy and the second-longest in recent papal history.
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At the Vatican, pilgrims flocked to St. Peter’s Basilica on the third Sunday of the Lenten season in anticipation of Easter. They filled St. Peter’s Square and progressed through the Holy Door in groups, while large TV screens in the square broadcast the pope’s greeting live from the hospital.
No special arrangements have been made at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican hotel adjacent to the basilica, where Francis resides in a two-room suite on the second floor. He will have access to supplemental oxygen and 24-hour medical care as needed. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, expressed hope that Francis would gradually require less assistance with his breathing as his lungs recover.
While the pneumonia infection has been successfully treated, Francis will continue to take oral medication for a fungal infection in his lungs and will undergo respiratory and physical physiotherapy.
Dr. Carbone noted that Francis has been asking when he can go home, indicating his eagerness to return.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the medical chief at Gemelli who coordinated Francis’ treatment, emphasized that not all patients with such a severe case of double pneumonia survive, much less get discharged from the hospital. He noted that Francis faced life-threatening crises during his treatment but regained his humor when he remarked, ‘I’m still alive.’ This was a positive sign of his recovery.
The Holy Father was never intubated and maintained consciousness throughout his hospitalization.
Alfieri confirmed that while Francis still has difficulty speaking due to lung and respiratory muscle damage, such issues are common in older patients, and he expects his voice to eventually return to normal.
The Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, did not confirm any upcoming events, including a scheduled audience with King Charles III or Francis’ participation in Easter services later this month. However, Dr. Carbone expressed hope that Francis might be well enough to travel to Turkey at the end of May for an important ecumenical anniversary.
Francis is returning to the Vatican amid a Holy Year celebration, which occurs once every 25 years and is expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims to Rome this year. Although he has missed several Jubilee audiences and may miss more, Vatican officials believe his absence has not significantly impacted the number of expected pilgrims.
Only St. John Paul II had a longer hospitalization in 1981, when he spent 55 days at Gemelli for minor surgery and an infection treatment.
