Pope Francis made a heartfelt appearance from the Gemelli hospital in Rome, offering a blessing to the public for the first time since his admission on February 14. The 88-year-old pontiff was discharged shortly after his appearance, although medical experts indicate that he will require a minimum of two months of rest at the Vatican.
During his five-week hospitalization, the Pope experienced “two very critical episodes” that placed his “life in danger,” as noted by Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the physicians overseeing his care. Despite these challenges, Dr. Alfieri confirmed that Pope Francis was never intubated and remained alert and oriented throughout his treatment. While he is not yet fully recovered, the Pope has overcome pneumonia and is eager to resume his duties as soon as his recovery progresses positively.
Emotional response from the public and officials
Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed immense joy at the Pope’s release, stating, “It’s a great gift to the city and to the world… we support him and feel really close to him.” His sentiments resonated with the crowd gathered outside the hospital, eagerly awaiting the Pope’s appearance.
Bishop Larry Kulick, from the Diocese of Greensburg in Pennsylvania, shared his relief upon seeing the Pope, stating, “When I saw him I felt, to be honest, a little relieved. I felt just overjoyed to see him.” The emotional atmosphere was palpable, as Ilaria Della Bidia, a Roman singer, described her feelings, saying, “I cried all the time because the love we breathe in this little square of this hospital was like heaven.”
Global support and prayers for the Pope
Among the crowd was Ana Matos from Brazil, who expressed her overwhelming happiness after arriving just moments before the Pope appeared. She remarked, “It was an amazing feeling, like when I had my son. I was so happy to see him healthy and I could see him smile.”
The Pope had previously been seen only once publicly since his hospitalization, in a photograph released by the Vatican last week, which depicted him in prayer within a hospital chapel. Earlier this month, an audio recording of Pope Francis was played in St. Peter’s Square, where he expressed gratitude to the Catholic faithful for their prayers, his voice breathless yet filled with warmth.
Since becoming the leader of the Roman Catholic Church 12 years ago, Pope Francis has navigated numerous health issues, including undergoing lung surgery at the age of 21, which has made him more susceptible to infections.