After a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia, Pope Francis finally left the hospital on March 23. He briefly greeted more than 3,000 from his balcony at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he’s been since February 14. Per the Vatican, “He said just a few words from a small balcony just above the crowds gathered below. With effort, his hands resting on his knees, he then lifted them to bless the crowds, followed by waving and smiling to those below who were shouting, ‘Francesco, Francesco!”, “We love you!’, ‘We’re here for you!'”
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BREAKING: A visibly impaired #PopeFrancis appears at the window of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for the first time in over a month. He is being discharged for at least two months of recovery to his Vatican Apartment. Even this appearance seems a major strain on the Pontiff. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/NbyIpVzJMD
— Raymond Arroyo (@RaymondArroyo) March 23, 2025
Pope Francis’ Voice Remains Weak Following His Health Battle
The Vatican reported, “‘Thank you to everyone!’ the Pope said with a faint voice. A greeting had been planned, but the Pope wished to greet them more with his presence than with his voice still affected by the respiratory therapies he has been undergoing.”
According to the Associated Press, Francis will require at least two more months of home treatment and should avoid large crowds. Otherwise, he can return to his usual duties.
Pope Francis’ five-week hospitalization was the longest during his 12-year papacy and the second-longest hospitalization in recent papal history, per AP.
“Today I feel a great joy,” said Dr. Rossella Russomando, who was at Gemelli on Sunday but did not treat Francis, told the AP. “It is the demonstration that all our prayers, all the rosary prayers from all over the world, brought this grace.”
Pope Francis posted a message on X earlier on March 23, thanking those who prayed for him. “You have continued to pray for me with so much patience and perseverance: thank you so much! I also pray for you. Let us #PrayTogether for #Peace, especially in martyred Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
This story’s featured image is by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images.
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