Vatican City (AP) — A frail Pope Francis made a significant return to the Vatican on Sunday after a five-week hospitalization due to life-threatening double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff took a moment to visit his favorite basilica before settling into two months of prescribed rest and recovery. As he arrived at the Perugino gate of Vatican City, the pope was seen in the front passenger seat of his white Fiat 500L, wearing nasal tubes for supplemental oxygen. His return brought a sense of relief after widespread fears regarding his health and potential implications for his papacy.
On the way home, Francis' motorcade made an unexpected detour to St. Mary Major Basilica, home to the pope’s cherished icon of the Madonna. This stop was particularly poignant, as the pope has a tradition of visiting the basilica to pray following foreign trips. Although he did not exit the vehicle, he presented a bouquet of flowers to the basilica’s cardinal, requesting that they be placed in front of the Salus populi Romani icon. This Byzantine-style painting holds deep significance for Francis, who has expressed his desire to be buried nearby.
This visit followed the pope's first public appearance in five weeks, where he offered a thumbs-up and a brief blessing from a hospital balcony. A crowd of hundreds gathered on a bright spring Sunday morning to bid farewell and catch a glimpse of Francis, who appeared visibly unwell. “I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!” a noticeably bloated Francis said in a breathless tone, offering a weak sign of the cross before being wheeled back inside. The crowd erupted in chants of “Viva il papa!” and “Papa Francesco,” with many patients even wheeled outside to witness the event.
Upon returning home, doctors indicated that Pope Francis would require two months of rest and convalescence at the Vatican. During this period, he is advised to avoid large gatherings and strenuous activities. However, they expressed optimism that he would eventually resume his normal duties. His return marked a significant relief for the Vatican and the global Catholic community, who had been following the pope's health closely throughout his 38-day hospitalization.
“Today I feel a great joy,” remarked Dr. Rossella Russomando, who was present at Gemelli but was not involved in Francis’ treatment. “It is the demonstration that all our prayers, all the rosary prayers from all over the world, brought this grace.” The Rev. Enzo Fortunato, who heads a papal committee dedicated to children, noted that the pope’s spirits were uplifted by the many well-wishes he received, particularly from children worldwide.
At the Vatican, where a Holy Year is currently underway, pilgrims cheered as the pope’s greeting from Gemelli was broadcast live on giant screens in St. Peter’s Square. “For me, it was an important emotional experience to see him, because many people were waiting for this moment,” said Sister Luisa Jimènez, a nun from Francis’ native Argentina. Another nun expressed concern over the pope’s appearance, noting his difficulty in speaking and overall health.
No special arrangements have been made at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican hotel where Francis resides. He will have access to supplemental oxygen and round-the-clock medical care as required, though his personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, expressed hope that Francis would gradually need less breathing assistance as his lungs recover.
Pope Francis, who has a history of chronic lung disease and previously underwent lung surgery, was admitted to Gemelli on February 14 due to worsened bronchitis. Initially diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection, he soon developed pneumonia in both lungs. His condition was further complicated by anemia and low blood platelets, which later improved after two blood transfusions.
Significant health crises arose on February 28, when Francis experienced severe coughing that led to inhaling vomit, necessitating a noninvasive mechanical ventilation mask for assistance. He faced two additional respiratory crises in the following days, during which doctors had to manually clear substantial mucus from his lungs.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the medical chief at Gemelli, emphasized that surviving such severe cases of double pneumonia is not guaranteed. He noted that the pope's life was in jeopardy during two acute respiratory episodes, but Francis regained his characteristic humor, famously responding, “I’m still alive!” when asked about his condition.
Currently, there are no confirmed upcoming appointments for Pope Francis, including a scheduled audience with King Charles III or participation in Easter services. However, there is hope that he may be well enough to travel to Turkey for a significant ecumenical anniversary by the end of May. Only St. John Paul II had a longer hospitalization, spending 55 days at Gemelli for treatment in 1981.
