VATICAN CITY, Rome — Pope Francis has been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a five-week hospitalisation marked by two critical health episodes that doctors described as life-threatening.
The 88-year-old pontiff appeared briefly at a hospital window on Saturday, March 22, 2025, morning to offer a blessing to well-wishers before departing the facility.
He returned to the Vatican, where doctors have recommended at least two months of rest for full recovery.
During his stay, Pope Francis was treated for double pneumonia, a severe respiratory infection that left him physically weakened and temporarily affected his ability to speak.
“He Remained Alert Throughout”
Dr Sergio Alfieri, one of the lead physicians treating the pontiff, said the Pope was never placed on a ventilator and remained lucid and responsive throughout his illness.
“Patients with double pneumonia lose their voice a little, and especially in the elderly, it will take time for your voice to return to normal,” Dr Alfieri told reporters.
Cardinal Victor Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, previously noted that the use of high-flow oxygen had dried out the Pope’s throat, requiring him to “relearn how to speak.”
A Fragile but Improving Condition
While Pope Francis is not yet fully recovered, doctors confirmed that his condition is now stable and he no longer shows signs of pneumonia.
The Holy Father was admitted to hospital on 14 February and had only been seen publicly once since then — in a photograph released by the Vatican last week, showing him praying in a hospital chapel.
Earlier this month, an audio message in Spanish was played in St Peter’s Square, in which the Pope thanked the faithful for their prayers. His voice was faint but conveyed a message of gratitude and endurance.
Health Challenges Over the Years
Pope Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has endured multiple health issues throughout his life.
At 21, he underwent surgery to remove part of one lung due to a severe infection — a condition that has left him more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
In recent years, the Pope has also struggled with sciatica and underwent surgery for diverticulitis in 2021.
The global Catholic community has closely followed updates on his condition, with messages of support and prayers pouring in from across the world.
As he begins a period of recuperation at the Vatican, Vatican officials have not yet indicated when the Pope will resume his full public schedule. For now, aides say he will continue to work in a limited capacity from his residence.
