Pope Francis was discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday after a five-week stay with a positive prognosis and a warning to get plenty of rest for at least two months while continuing his recuperation.
Before leaving the hospital, the pope appeared on a balcony in a wheelchair, in a weak voice briefly blessing and thanking a cheering crowd of over 3,000 people gathered in the courtyard repeatedly chanting his name − “Francesco, we love you!” The pope also thanked staff at the hospital who aided his recovery from double-pneumonia and other ills, the Vatican said.
He rolled away in a white Fiat to more cheering crowds, stopping to pray at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on his way to the Vatican.
“In this long period of hospitalization, I have had the opportunity to experience the patience of the Lord, which I also see reflected in the tireless care of doctors and health care workers, as well as in the devotion and hopes of the families of the sick,” the pope said in a statement released by the Vatican.
Francis’ doctors said he will need two months of rest, should avoid meeting with large groups and should not exert himself.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on social media that she was “happy to hear that Pope Francis is returning to the Vatican. A special thought and best wishes go to him, with affection and gratitude for his tireless commitment and his precious guidance.”
Pope overcomes bronchitis, pneumonia
The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 14 after battling bronchitis for more than a week and struggling to speak and breathe during public appearances. During his hospitalization he suffered multiple attacks of “acute respiratory insufficiency,” the Vatican said. Physicians performed procedures known as bronchoscopies to clear his air passages after bronchospasms, similar to asthma attacks, according to the Vatican.
While hospitalized, the pope was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and then mild renal insufficiency but appeared to have overcome those issues as well.
The pope, who has been receiving oxygen to help him breathe throughout his stay in the hospital, was breathing on his own during the public appearance. But he was seen using a small hose under his nose for oxygen while traveling in his car.
In first public appearance in weeks, pope prays for peace
The appearance at the hospital was his first public appearance since his hospitalization. He spoke only a few words but issued a written appeal for an end to violence.
“Pray for peace in tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” the appeal said.
Crowds that gathered to see him expressed relief that he was leaving the hospital.
“This discharge cheers us all up and gives us joy and hope,” said Grazia Mara, an Italian. “We wish him a safe return to his home and a speedy recovery.”