Pope Francis Discharged From Hospital After Health Scare

Pope Francis will be discharged from the Gemelli Hospital on Sunday, March 23, 2025, marking his return to the Vatican after a significant health ordeal. The 88-year-old pontiff has spent 38 days in the hospital battling bilateral pneumonia, with his medical team confirming his recovery sufficient for discharge at a press conference on Saturday.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the leader of the medical team, announced, "The good news is that the pope will be discharged tomorrow. During his hospitalization, he presented two critical episodes during which the Holy Father's life was in danger." His recovery, however, is far from over, as he will need to begin a period of convalescence at his Santa Marta residence, where he will require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation.

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on February 14 following a severe respiratory infection. At the height of his illness, he faced serious complications that necessitated the close monitoring and intervention of his doctors. Fortunately, he was never intubated and retained full alertness throughout his treatment, demonstrating resilience amidst adversity.

With his health stabilizing, the Vatican confirmed that the pope would greet the public from the window of his hospital room shortly after noon. This will be his first appearance since his health crisis began, and he plans to wave and offer a blessing to his supporters gathered outside. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni noted, "The pope is getting better so that in brief time he can resume his normal activities,” although this will require careful management of his ongoing therapies.

Dr. Alfieri and Dr. Luigi Carbone, who are part of the papal medical team, emphasized the importance of a home recovery. Alfieri remarked, "The hospital is the worst place for convalescence... it’s where one can contract more infections," asserting that the preparation for the pope's return was meticulously arranged to ensure a safe and effective healing environment.

Despite the improvements, Pope Francis still faces challenges in fully regaining his vocal strength, as the pneumonia had damaged his respiratory function. Dr. Alfieri explained that it takes time to recover from the impact of the illness on lung health and vocal cords. He reassured the media that improvements have been noted, but cautioned that it will take time to restore the pope’s voice to its usual state.

The pontiff has been unable to lead the Angelus prayers for five consecutive weeks—a first in his papacy—reflecting the seriousness of his condition. As Easter approaches, questions remain about the pope's ability to partake in this significant religious observance and other upcoming duties. Dr. Alfieri has underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that Francis' life was indeed at risk during crucial moments of his hospital stay.

The prospect of resuming his engagements and public appearances depends greatly on how Pope Francis progresses in his recovery. The hope remains that he will participate in major events such as Easter celebrations or potentially meet dignitaries, like King Charles III, although this will be contingent on how he fares during this convalescent phase.

As he prepares to return to his residence, the pope is set to receive 24-hour health support from the Vatican’s medical service during his recovery. This proactive approach aims to mitigate any relapse into serious health concerns as he recuperates from this challenging health episode.

Pope Francis' transparency regarding his health and the challenges he faces continues to resonate with many believers and supporters worldwide. His recent message thanking the faithful for their prayers emphasizes a sense of hope and community during this difficult time. As he transitions back to life in the Vatican, the resilience demonstrated during his treatment only amplifies his enduring commitment to his papal duties.

In the eyes of many, this convalescence will not only shape the future of the papacy but also may influence how the church approaches health issues among leaders moving forward, marking a shift towards a more open discourse about the health of those in high office.