Pope Francis made his first public appearance in over five weeks on Sunday, greeting the faithful from the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital before his discharge following a life-threatening battle with pneumonia.
Sitting in a wheelchair, the 88-year-old pontiff waved gently to the crowd, gave a thumbs-up, and in a weak voice, said into a microphone, “Thank you, everyone”, reported the news agency AFP.
His appearance was met with chants of “Viva il Papa!” from hundreds of supporters gathered below.
The Pope’s hospitalisation, which lasted 38 days, was the longest of his 12-year papacy and the second longest in modern papal history, raising concerns over his health and potential succession.
The Pope was admitted to Gemelli on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors soon diagnosed a severe bacterial, viral, and fungal infection in both lungs, with complications including anemia, low blood platelets, and kidney failure. His condition deteriorated on February 28 when he suffered an acute coughing fit, inhaled vomit, and had to be placed on a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask.
He endured two more respiratory crises in the following days, requiring doctors to manually clear mucus from his lungs. Despite these life-threatening setbacks, he remained conscious throughout his treatment and never required intubation.
Dr Sergio Alfieri, who coordinated Francis’ medical care, acknowledged the gravity of his condition. “Not all patients who develop such a severe case of double pneumonia survive, much less are released from the hospital,” he said. “But one morning, when we asked him how he was doing, he replied, ‘I’m still alive!’ That’s when we knew he was going to be okay”.
Doctors have advised the Pope to refrain from large gatherings or exerting himself for at least two months. He will continue to receive 24-hour medical care at his residence in the Vatican and will have access to supplemental oxygen as needed. His physician, Dr Luigi Carbone, noted that Francis will remain on oral medication for a fungal infection in his lungs and will undergo respiratory therapy to regain strength.
“For three or four days, he’s been asking when he can go home, so he’s very happy,” Carbone said.
With his recovery still under way, it remains uncertain whether Pope Francis will attend major events in the coming weeks, including a planned audience with King Charles III on April 8 and Easter celebrations at the end of the month. Vatican officials also remain cautious about his ability to travel to Turkey in May for an important ecumenical gathering.
Despite his absence, the ongoing Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations in Vatican City, expected to attract over 30 million pilgrims, have not been significantly impacted. Large crowds continue to flock to St. Peter’s Basilica and participate in the Holy Year festivities.
Though the Pope’s health crisis prompted speculation about a possible resignation, Vatican insiders say Francis is determined to continue his papacy.
“Today I feel a great joy,” said Dr. Rossella Russomando, a visitor at Gemelli. “It is the demonstration that all our prayers from all over the world brought this grace”.
