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Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after enduring a severe five-week battle with pneumonia that nearly claimed his life. The 88-year-old pontiff, still requiring supplemental oxygen through nasal tubes, made an unexpected visit to his cherished St. Mary Major basilica during his journey home.
Rather than stepping out of the vehicle at the basilica, Francis had a cardinal place flowers before the Salus populi Romani icon, a treasured Byzantine wooden painting, where he traditionally prays following international trips.
Departing from Gemelli hospital, Francis appeared on the balcony to bid farewell to hundreds of well-wishers gathered in the bright morning sun. Despite appearing fatigued and swollen, he managed to interact briefly with the crowd.
#PopeFrancis to be discharged from #hospital after five weeks battling #Pneumonia; need further rest | https://t.co/RcN2uwWyei pic.twitter.com/0cQBw0jA9U
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“I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” Francis said, offering a weak blessing before returning inside.
The crowd, including patients brought outside specifically for the occasion, erupted in cheers of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco.”
Medical professionals, who announced his discharge on Saturday evening, prescribed two months of recuperation, advising against large gatherings and strenuous activities. They expressed confidence in his eventual return to full duties.
His homecoming marked the end of the longest hospital stay in his 12-year pontificate and brought relief to the Vatican and faithful worldwide, who had anxiously monitored his 38-day health struggle.
“Today I feel a great joy,” said Dr. Rossella Russomando, who was present at Gemelli. “It is the demonstration that all our prayers, all the rosary prayers from all over the world, brought this grace.”
At the Vatican, pilgrims continued their Holy Year activities, watching Francis’s hospital farewell on large screens in St. Peter’s Square. His residence at Domus Santa Marta remains unchanged, though he’ll have constant medical supervision and oxygen support as needed.
While successfully treating the pneumonia, doctors will continue addressing his fungal lung infection with oral medication and ongoing respiratory therapy.
“For three or four days he’s been asking when he can go home, so he’s very happy,” Carbone said.
The Pope’s ordeal began on February 14 when worsening bronchitis led to hospitalization. His condition deteriorated into a complex respiratory infection affecting both lungs, complicated by anemia and temporary kidney issues that required blood transfusions.
A critical phase began February 28 when Francis aspirated vomit during a severe coughing episode, necessitating assisted ventilation. Two subsequent respiratory crises required manual mucus removal, leading to nightly ventilation support.
LOOK: Pope Francis has finally left the hospital after 5 weeks of being treated for double pneumonia pic.twitter.com/3jesPYFVbQ
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“Unfortunately yes, there was a moment when many were saying that he might not make it. And it was painful for us,” said Mario Balsamo, who owns a coffee shop near Gemelli. “Instead, today with the discharge, we are very happy that he is well and we hope he will recover soon and will recover his strength.”
Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led Francis’s medical team, emphasized the severity of the Pope’s condition, noting that such cases of double pneumonia are often fatal. Francis’s characteristic humor wavered during two life-threatening respiratory episodes.
“But one morning we went to listen to his lungs and we asked him how he was doing. When he replied, ‘I’m still alive,’ we knew he was OK and had gotten his good humor back,” he said.
The Vatican hasn’t confirmed upcoming engagements, including a scheduled meeting with King Charles III or Easter celebrations. His ongoing recovery coincides with the Holy Year, which expects to draw over 30 million pilgrims to Rome.
This hospitalization ranks as the second-longest in recent papal history, surpassed only by John Paul II’s 55-day stay in 1981.
