Pope Francis is discharged from Rome hospital

For more sotries

Pope Francis made his first public appearance at the window of the Gemelli hospital in Rome, offering a blessing to the faithful. This came shortly after his discharge, marking the end of his hospitalization, which began on February 14.

The 88-year-old pontiff was given the green light to leave the hospital, though doctors recommended that he rest for at least two months at the Vatican to continue his recovery.

Over the past five weeks, Pope Francis faced “two very critical episodes” that placed his life in jeopardy, according to Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of his treating physicians. However, the Pope was never intubated and remained conscious and aware throughout the ordeal. Though he is not yet fully recovered, doctors confirmed he no longer has pneumonia, and they remain hopeful for his swift return to work, should his recovery progress as expected.

Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed his deep joy and emotion upon hearing of the Pope’s release, describing it as “a great gift to the city and the world.” He added, “We stand by him and feel a strong sense of closeness to him.”

On Sunday, a crowd gathered outside the Gemelli hospital, eagerly waiting for Pope Francis to make an appearance.

Bishop Larry Kulick, from the Diocese of Greensburg in Pennsylvania, shared his emotions, saying, “When I saw him, I felt, honestly, a bit relieved. I was just overjoyed to see him.”

Ilaria Della Bidia, a singer from Rome, expressed her feelings, stating, “I cried the entire time because the love that filled this little square near the hospital felt like heaven.”

Ana Matos, who had just arrived from Brazil, described her experience: “I got here just 30 seconds before he appeared. It was an amazing feeling, like when I had my son. I was so happy to see him healthy and smiling.”

The Pope had only been seen by the public once since his hospitalization, through a photo released by the Vatican last week, showing him praying in the hospital chapel.

Earlier this month, an audio message from Pope Francis was broadcast in St. Peter’s Square, where he expressed his gratitude for the prayers of the faithful, though his voice sounded breathless.

Having led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, Pope Francis has faced several health challenges throughout his life, including the removal of part of a lung at age 21, which makes him more susceptible to infections.

Additional reporting by Giulia Tommasi.

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