Pope Francis was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after more than five weeks of treatment for pneumonia. Despite looking visibly tired, the pontiff expressed gratitude to the gathered crowds, waving and thanking them for their unwavering support as he headed home. Seated in a wheelchair on one of the hospital balconies, Francis appeared frail but determined as he acknowledged the hundreds of well-wishers below. It was his first public appearance since February 14, when he was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital with breathing difficulties that escalated into pneumonia. “Thank you, everyone,” Francis said softly into a microphone, his voice weak but steady. He raised his hand in a gentle wave and offered an occasional thumbs-up, sparking cheers from the crowd. Spotting a woman holding yellow flowers, he smiled and said, “I can see that woman with yellow flowers — well done,” prompting laughter and applause. After two minutes on the balcony, the pope was discharged. Francis was driven to his Vatican residence, Santa Marta, waving from the front seat of the car. He could be seen wearing a nasal cannula, a sign that he still requires oxygen support. His first stop, however, was Santa Maria Maggiore — his favorite church in Rome — where he paused to pray, a testament to his resilience and faith. Doctors have confirmed that the pope’s health has improved enough for him to return home. However, they cautioned that the 87-year-old, who lost weight during his hospitalization and had part of one lung removed as a young man, will need at least two months to fully recover. The fragility of Francis’s health has renewed speculation about whether he might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, and step down from his role. ‘A Period of Rest’During his hospital stay, Francis faced multiple respiratory crises, leading doctors to perform bronchoscopies to clear his lungs and even administer a blood transfusion. “Further recovery will happen at home,” said Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of Francis’s doctors. “A hospital — even one as well-equipped as Gemelli — isn’t the ideal place for recovery because the risk of infections remains high.” Alfieri also made it clear that the pope’s return to his regular schedule won’t happen overnight. “Convalescence, by definition, is a period of rest. He will need time to regain his strength before resuming his daily responsibilities.” As Pope Francis embarks on this crucial phase of recovery, his quiet strength and humility continue to inspire millions around the world.
