Pope Francis has been released from Rome’s Gemelli hospital following a five-week stay due to a severe respiratory infection. Doctors confirmed on Sunday that while his condition had been life-threatening, he has now stabilized. However, he will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican before resuming his duties.
During his hospitalization, the 88-year-old leader of the Roman Catholic Church faced two critical moments that put his life at risk. Despite the severity of his illness, he remained conscious throughout treatment and avoided intubation. Now, as he returns to the Vatican, his recovery continues under close medical supervision.
Health Crisis Posed Serious Risks
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that developed into double pneumonia. Given his medical history—having lost part of a lung at age 21—his condition was particularly concerning.
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, a key member of the Pope’s medical team, revealed that he experienced two major health crises during his stay. Both incidents significantly endangered his life, but he managed to pull through without requiring a ventilator.
Though not yet fully recovered, he is no longer suffering from pneumonia, and his doctors believe his condition is improving steadily. They remain cautious, emphasizing that the Pope needs continued rest to ensure a full recovery.
Vatican Recovery and Limited Public Appearances
On Saturday, Dr. Alfieri told reporters that the medical team was relieved and happy that the Pope could return home. Before departing, Pope Francis planned to give a public blessing from his hospital window, marking his first public appearance since his admission.
His voice remains weak, a common issue for elderly pneumonia patients. According to Dr. Alfieri, relearning speech is necessary due to throat dryness caused by high-flow oxygen treatment.
Cardinal Victor Fernandez also noted that the Pope’s mobility and breathing have shown improvement over the past week. While he still requires nighttime oxygen support, he has been using less assistance during the day.
Since his hospitalization, Pope Francis has made only one public appearance, when the Vatican released a photo of him praying in a hospital chapel. Earlier this month, he addressed believers in an audio message in Spanish, thanking them for their prayers.
A Long Road to Full Recovery
Although he is now stable, doctors warn that recovery will take time. Given his age and past lung condition, regaining full strength remains a challenge.
The Vatican stated on Friday that while the Pope is showing steady progress, his workload will be reduced for the next two months. The Pope is expected to resume some activities once his doctors confirm he is strong enough.
Despite his health struggles, Pope Francis has led the Catholic Church for nearly 12 years and has continued working through past health issues. His resilience remains a source of inspiration to millions of believers worldwide.
