On March 23, 2025, Pope Francis made a much-anticipated appearance at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, marking his first public appearance since a month-long hospitalization for bilateral pneumonia. The Pope, visibly fatigued yet maintaining a resilient spirit, greeted thousands of faithful gathered outside the hospital, expressing his gratitude with a simple wave and a thumbs-up.
During his brief address from the balcony, the Pope said, "Grazie a tutti. Vedo questa signora con i fiori gialli, brava," acknowledging a particular elderly woman holding yellow flowers in the front row. The heartfelt scene reflected the strong bond between the Pope and his followers, who had been praying for his recovery throughout his hospitalization.
Prior to his return to his residence at Santa Marta, the Pope also visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a customary stop for him after significant moments. At the basilica, he presented flowers to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas to place before the icon of the Virgin Salus Populi Romani, displaying his gratitude for the support he received during his illness.
The Pope’s medical team had announced just a day prior, on March 22, that he had successfully overcome pneumonia but required an extended convalescence period of at least two months. According to Sergio Alfieri, the head of the medical department at Gemelli, while the infections had been serious, they expect the Pope to return to normal speaking in due course. During his 37 days in the hospital, the Pope continued his work remotely but faced two life-threatening episodes due to complications from his illness.
Reflecting on his recent experience, Pope Francis remarked on the importance of patience and the unwavering love of God. In his message issued during his hospitalization, he had expressed, “In this long time of hospitalization, I have experienced the patience of the Lord,” highlighting the support from healthcare personnel and the families of patients.
The Pope took the opportunity to comment on broader global issues during his address, expressing sorrow for the renewed violence in Gaza. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging for dialogue and the release of hostages in the region. "The humanitarian situation in Gaza is once again dire and requires urgent action from the parties involved and the international community," he said.
He also expressed his hope for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, noting the agreement reached on the final draft of a peace accord and wishing for its prompt signing to foster long-lasting stability in the Southern Caucasus region.
Pope Francis concluded his address by asking for prayers for peace not only in Ukraine, where the conflict continues, but also in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His call for peace resonated deeply with those gathered, as many had traveled from near and far with hopes of seeing him after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his health.
The excitement among those present was palpable, with chants of "Francesco, Francesco!" ringing out as the Pope appeared at the balcony. Many attendees had arrived early in the day to secure good spots to witness the Pope’s return, and their love for the Pontiff was evident in placards, flowers, and heartfelt messages of support.
In a display of appreciation, the Pope took a moment before heading inside to smile and wave at the crowd once more, reassuring them of his gradual return to health and the importance of their prayers. As he was escorted away in his vehicle, the crowd continued to cheer and sing, celebrating not only the Pope’s recovery but also his enduring role as a figure of hope and inspiration.
Pope Francis’s health scare had drawn worldwide attention, and his return to public life embodies resilience amid hardship. His message of hope and peace continues to inspire devotees globally, reaffirming the essence of his papacy—compassion, faith, and the urgent need for dialogue amidst world conflicts.
As Pope Francis begins his convalescence at Santa Marta, many will be watching closely, hoping for his rejuvenation and continued guidance during these troubled times.
