Pope Leaves Hospital After Recovering From Severe Pneumonia, Takes A Detour On His Way Home

Pope Francis was discharged from Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Sunday after battling a life-threatening case of pneumonia for five weeks. Looking frail but in good spirits, the 88-year-old pontiff acknowledged well-wishers with a thumbs-up before making a brief detour to pray at St. Mary Major Basilica, a customary stop for him after major trips, before returning to the Vatican.

His motorcade moved through light Sunday morning traffic, greeted by crowds that had gathered to welcome him home. Instead of heading straight to his residence inside Vatican City, Francis continued to St. Mary Major, where he offered prayers in front of his beloved Madonna icon.

Earlier in the morning, Francis was wheeled onto the hospital's balcony, smiling weakly as he waved to the crowd. "I see this woman with the yellow flowers. Brava!" he remarked, before making the sign of the cross. The crowd, which included hospital staff and fellow patients, responded with chants of "Viva il Papa!" as he was wheeled back inside. Doctors had advised the pope to avoid large crowds and physical exertion while he continues his recovery.

His hospitalization-his longest as pope and the second longest in recent Vatican history-had left many Catholics concerned. "Today is a day of great joy," said Dr. Rossella Russomando, a visitor at the hospital. "People all over the world prayed for him, and it feels like our prayers have been answered."

Pope's Recovery and Medical Care

At the Vatican, pilgrims continued their visits to St. Peter's Basilica as part of the 2025 Holy Year celebrations. No significant medical accommodations have been made at Domus Santa Marta, where Francis resides, though he will have access to supplemental oxygen and around-the-clock care. His personal physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, said he is expected to recover gradually but will remain on oral medication for a lingering fungal lung infection and continue respiratory therapy.

Francis, who has chronic lung issues, was admitted to the hospital on February 14 after a bout of bronchitis worsened. Doctors first diagnosed a complex bacterial, viral, and fungal respiratory infection, which later developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Blood tests showed anemia, low platelet levels, and early signs of kidney dysfunction, all of which improved after blood transfusions.

The most serious moments occurred on February 28, when Francis suffered a severe coughing fit and inhaled vomit, requiring noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Two additional respiratory crises followed, prompting doctors to manually clear large amounts of mucus from his lungs. Though he was never intubated, he required a ventilation mask at night to assist his breathing.

Given the severity of his condition, concerns over his survival grew. "There was a moment when many feared he wouldn't make it," said Mario Balsamo, a café owner near the hospital. "Today, seeing him discharged is a relief. We hope he regains his strength soon."

Pope's Humor and Outlook

Despite the seriousness of his illness, doctors noted that Francis remained mentally alert throughout his treatment. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the chief of surgery at Gemelli who oversaw his care, emphasized that not all patients survive such a severe case of double pneumonia. He confirmed that Francis faced two critical moments where his life was at risk.

However, his resilience shone through. One morning, when doctors checked on him and asked how he was feeling, Francis replied with his signature humor: "I'm still alive."

Although he continues to struggle with his voice due to the strain on his lungs and respiratory muscles, doctors expect it to improve over time.

Future Engagements Remain Uncertain

The Vatican has not confirmed any upcoming events on Francis' schedule, including an April 8 meeting with King Charles III and his participation in Easter services at the end of the month. However, Dr. Carbone remains optimistic that the pope will recover in time for a planned visit to Turkey in late May for an ecumenical event.

Francis returns to the Vatican as millions of pilgrims arrive in Rome for the Holy Year celebrations, a once-in-25-years event. Though he has already missed several Jubilee audiences, Vatican officials say his absence has not significantly affected attendance.

The only modern pope to have a longer hospitalization was St. John Paul II, who spent 55 days at Gemelli in 1981 following surgery and an infection.